a full hand

Walter, you are 5 now!

Your big all-kindergarten-class party is on Sunday but today we, the ones who love you the most, are celebrating your special day. Including a very subtle '5' balloon and a not so chocolatey cake (wink, wink) ... we try to make this birthday day of yours pretty special and full of love.

I'm so glad I got one brown-haired boy. That's our special thing together, just you and me.

I'm so proud of you for tackling all day kindergarten and coming home with stories of new friends and new accomplishments. We wanted to get to know all your friends so an everyone party it is this year although I'm pretty sure I'm a little crazy to do this!

I love watching how you teach Felix these days. And also how you've learn so, so well to outfox him and his 2 year old stubborn ways. Your bag of tricks is growing bigger all the time.

I remember the look on your face last week when Dad pulled out your very own Liverpool jersey ... oh the joy! I'm so glad I took those photos - just priceless!

I'm trying really hard to give you time to speak as it just takes you longer to get out your words and your explanations. I'm sensitive to your middle-child-ness and so I always want you to feel heard and not rushed or shushed.

I love your crazy laugh. Sometimes you add in crazy eyes to your crazy laugh and that's just hysterical.

I love that your brothers are your best friends most of all. I hope that will always be.

Your Dad long loved the name Walter and I have long loved you. 5 years long now. I think you're simply wonderful. You and your brown hair, let's be honest.