Now That We're Five

Nate requested this stunning cake to which Emily & I obliged from SmittenKitchen 

Now that we're five, we have a lot of birthday candles (Star Wars and Legos, Wii games...and phone apps and much, much more).....which five year old doesn't? I like that my birthday is so close to Nate's. (and now I have a nephew who shares the exact same day! Congrats Dan & Anne :-D)  It's nice to celebrate together.  Another year wiser!  It's hard to believe that he is five.  His big brown eyes melt me.  Sometimes he says things that stop me in my tracks and make me laugh out loud. Like "well, wonders never cease!" Seriously, who says stuff like that? Apparently he's that guy.

It hasn't been easy trying to function as a family, taking care of a child with a lot of medical needs and still having time with Nate.  It is hard for Nate too. I can usually tell when he hasn't been getting enough attention as his behavior starts to go downhill.  Thank goodness we've scheduled time together to do fun stuff. I love my "Nate Dates".  Nate is such a caring brother.  He sees LJ struggling with most tasks, and he will say things like "Let me put his socks on.  No more physical therapy for Noodles.  I will do it for him whenever he needs help."  I have explained to him that he is not responsible for his brother.  That this is the journey we are on, and Noodles needs to try to be a little more independent so that his life may be a little bit easier for himself down the road.

Clearly, Nate adores Lewis.  He is so careful and protective & usually will call out to someone when there's a problem.  Like when LJ sneezes and its all over LJ's face, Nate will yell out "Mommy, snot!!!!  A lot of it. Come quick with a tissue." Yesterday, he was LJ's protector.  LJ had been honing his army crawl and almost pulled down a folding table onto himself. Nate was there to save the day though.  He exclaimed "Uh, a little help here.  No LJ, stop that." My favorite quote is "I love you Noodles.  You are the best baby brother ever!"  And these glimpses at reality are what make me, when I can, let go and embrace each special moment spent with them that much more. I learn from them every time. They will always keep me going. The journey is the destination. I'm trying so hard to be grateful for what I have, and not looking toward the future to fill a void.  And I swear I will not let my fears for tomorrow rob me from the joys of today. 

"FIVE is so different. When I'm TEN, LJ will only be seven."

Nate's Donut Cake_December 9, 2010 from Jenn S on Vimeo.