Connor's 5 Year Pictures

Connor Munchkin, 

I have been so proud of you this past year! Every time I hear you talk to your siblings or play with them, I see how much progress you have made over time. You are the best big brother to Eva and Liam. I love how you always try to keep "our baby" from getting hurt, how you help him walk and cheer so loudly for him as he smiles in delight, and how you give you little sister hugs when she's sad and tell her "Oh it's ok Eva, I'm here!"

I love your sweet little spirit and the happiness you find in having fun. I love watching you build things with legos and then you proudly showing and explaining to me what you've built. You're mind has been developing so much and with it, your imagination growing at a rapid rate. Nothing makes me happier than watching the joy you find thru it! The imagination is a door to so much discovery in this life.

 I love that you recognize you don't have to take orders, and that you know everything is your choice. I've seen your love of independence and how you sneakily try to come up with counteroffers when I tell you to do something. It could be as simple as "It's time for bed, Connor", and you'll turn around and tell me, "How about 5 more minutes, Mom." or "this isn't done, Mom, how about after?" To me, it shows how strongly you must believe in free agency, and I know exactly how that feels. I love that we share that, little guy. 

I adore how much you love all things silly, and how you are constantly finding mischief. Even as a little guy, you knew how to make me laugh so hard with the trouble you'd get yourself in to. That hasn't changed over the years, although you definitely have. Over this past year, your willingness to snuggle with me has become less and less. Those few moments you are willing to snuggle are the best!, and I love the brief chances we have to just be Connor and Mommy again. Do you remember, little buddy, that you helped me thru the hardest of times when your daddy was gone? Because you did, and I will always cherish those memories. 

You know what else I will cherish? These pictures. Because to me, they absolutely capture your silly little humor. 

 Mr. Munchin, I hope you know how much I believe in you! I've watched you struggle thru things like communicating, speaking, writing, with a steadfast determination to succeed. I know you will be able to accomplish anything you want in life with that attitude, I am so proud of how much work you've put into the things that don't come easy to you. Don't ever give up!

I love you, my oldest boy. Thank you for teaching me so much about motherhood and myself. 

- Love, Mommy