Fantastic Five

Dear Nathan,

You have been looking forward to your fifth birthday eversince you turned 4. It has been yet another great year as we saw you grow in independence and maturity. Being the first born, you will always have a special place in mommy's heart. You were the very first baby I cradled in my arms, the very first baby I nursed, the very first baby I kissed and the very first baby to call me "mommy". When you entered our lives this day five years ago, daddy and I were thrown into the world of parenthood. No amount of preparation prepared us for what was ahead, and yet, with lots of prayer, determination and perseverance, we made it thru your first month, your first year... and now you are five.

You are learning the piano and violin and are progressing well with your consistent practice. Remember that diligence and hard work is needed to reap good results. You enjoy story times with mommy, and I look forward to having you read more independently so that we can snuggle up with our own books on a rainy afternoon. You enjoy puzzles but dislike colouring. You have devised clever shortcuts to complete your 习字, to my dismay.

You are generally shy and tend to clam up in a setting with new people. Mommy hopes that you'd be more comfortable meeting new people and making new friends.

This is the first year that you and your brother Noah got to spend extended periods of time together on weekdays now that you are attending the same school. It is heart warming to see you two playing together, laughing at each other's silly antics, and enjoying each other's company. Thank you for never hitting back when Noah hits you, for loving your brother even when he can be unreasonable at times, for being the big brother that you are. Even though he doesn't say it, I think Noah probably thinks that you are the best big brother that he can have. He saves his last sweet for you and is quick to ask about you when he doesn't see you around. He loves you very much.

Because caring for you wasn't all that difficult, it made our decision to add to our family easy. You were generally easy to feed and your current favourite food is pasta with Japanese sesame sauce and thinly sliced pork. You enjoy your nap/sleep and have never resisted bedtime, making it easy for mommy when it is time for bed. Since birth, you have been sleeping with your favorite soft toy, Colin, and sucking your thumb to fall asleep. I am glad that you no longer need to hold Colin to sleep, and have kicked the habit of sucking your thumb. Credits to daddy.

It is our prayer that you'll continue to grow in the knowledge and love of our God, be the good son and brother that you are, and always find joy as you navigate the roads of life. Remember that you will always have a special place in my heart.

Lots of love, hugs and kisses,

Mommy