Happy 5th birthday, Nolan!

Dear Nolan,

Wow, 5 years!  I can’t believe how fast time has gone.  I suppose I may say that with each passing year, but it’s the truth every time.  You have grown so much this year I can hardly believe it.  You continue to grow in confidence and compassion and are such a funny and loving young boy.  I am amazed at how much you absorb throughout the day and am grateful to be able to experience life through your eyes.  I am so thankful to be your mother.

Today we began the day in the best way possible, thanking God for the gift of you at mass.  When word got out afterward that it was your birthday, you proudly told people that you were now 5!  And you held up your fingers to prove it 🙂  We stopped to pick up donuts (which has become a bit of a Sunday tradition) and a cappuccino (for me) and brought them home to share.  Then I got started with frosting your cake.  This year, I asked if you wanted a caterpillar cake (like the one we saw in a magazine) and you said yes.  While I was frosting the cake, Daddy went to the garage to get your present ready.  The look on your face when you saw your new red bike in the garage pure joy!  Lincoln helped you check out every detail of it and you hopped on to check out the size.  I think you have a great summer in store!

Our family & friends arrived around 2:30 for cake and ice cream.  After singing to you, we dug in to the tasty caterpillar and then you went outside with Lincoln and our friend, I.  A little while later, you asked if everyone could come outside to watch you open your presents.  You did a great job sharing your new things.  Your uncles helped you break in your new bat, glove & baseball and you also played a round of croquet with Nana.

I pray you always share that wonderful smile and welcoming personality with the world.  Your Daddy & I love you very much and look forward to seeing what God has in store for you this coming year.
XOXO

Mommy