While getting ready for bed last night, I snuggled Louis as hard as I could and said, “This is the last time I’m going to cuddle my five-year-old.  When you wake up tomorrow, you’re going to be six.”  He giggled and said something about how I can’t stop him from growing, and that’s just what he does.  He grows up, he’s a kid.

Well stop it, already.  I need my days, months, and years to stretch out a little longer.  HOW IS HE SIX YEARS OLD ALREADY?!?

Of course we remember this day, six years ago, very vividly.  Being in the hospital.  Being checked in but not realizing that it really meant we were there until we left with a baby in our arms…and having a panic moment of sending Bennett home to tend to the dogs and house, and get all of our things together for a couple of overnights.  There was a marathon of the tv show House while I was in labor.  Between contractions, I remember being really annoyed that House always has these really dramatic break-thrus and discoveries.

I also remember Bennett’s face when he got to see Louis for the first time.  The tears, the joy, that beautiful little first cry from our new babe.  It all feels like it happened yesterday.

Well, six years ago yesterday.

We couldn’t be prouder of our little Lou.  He’s really the world’s greatest gift to us.  Louis is sweet, sensitive, smart, silly, stubborn, creative….and all of the things we love most about life, wrapped up into one six-year-old package.

He’s starting Kindergarten in just a couple of days.  Still LOVES to dance and sing (and make up his own lyrics to songs).  And his favorites include Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel Superheroes, Pokemon, YouTube gaming videos, the color blue, dogs/cats/any animal ever, his collection of stuffed animals that continues to grow, “cuddle blankets”, and pretty much anything around him of which he can find joy.

I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t instantly fall in love with this kiddo.  His level of excitement about EVERYTHING is always through the roof.  And, the leadership abilities and the empathy he has shown us already let me know that there are great things in store for our little Lou.

Happy birthday, kiddo.  Momma and Daddy love you to pieces.