AJ UPDATE 5.10.2024

Well, where does the time go? With a snap crackle and a pop- YOU ARE 5!!!! What an awesome year we have had. You started a new school at St. Theresa for full day preschool with the best teachers yet! I get to pick you up every day at 2 and just hang with you until we get the sis which is awesome. You started playing socccer. You can brush your own teeth, ride your bike, write your name, spell words, complete math problems, sleep in your own bed, buckle your own seat belt, order you own food, get you wwon water, find a healthy snack, play independently. I mean how are you just 5!!! Kids in college can't do these things! I think you are the smartest boy I have ever met and your memory is like no other. You are very quick to get invovled in everything. You tell me that you need to eat healthy. We find you sneaking our phones and dominating different games. You can have a full on conversation about any topic and you are not to be fooled. You know when things are right and wrong and are a good judgement of fairness and of your own capabilities whichi is amazing. You are very compassionate and love to be around others kids. You are very kind and loving but super athletic and tough. We celebrated 5 with another birthday/Derby party, and your teacher said you are the most excited boy to be 5 than anyone she has ever met! On your birthday, I came in to your class to be the mystery reader and that was so exciting - especailly because you were so happy to see me, full of hugs. The next week we went early to school for Mom's and muffins. Every day when I pick you up you tell me that you just want a relaxing ride home. Sometimes we talk, sometimes we sing, sometimes we call people, sometimes we laugh but one thing is for sure consistent-- you have to go to the bathroom when we get home! We had your first kid party this year at the Park District and I ran the game party. We played parachute-"this is Aj's party and parachutes the game, you will run under when we call your name!" We had a bucket toss, pin the tail on the dinosaur, knock over the cans, simon says with a dance party, hulla hoop music game-- we just had to much fun! Then we had pizza and donuts! YUM YUM You received so many amazing super hero gifts from your parties I think we may have every toy in the world! When asked what you want you replied, "What they give me....just no girl stuff." And that is what you got buddy. You still are my Lukey Rantango-- but you say you want to be "AJ and then Alexander James".. we just have a lot of fun with it and all our nicknames for each other poopy! I love when we get to snuggle, but you are a sweat box that is for sure. You are in a puddle when you go to sleep! And most of the time that is while you are laying next to me. You have sandy bronw blonde hair with green eyes, big feet, skinny little legs, a little belly, and the same arms as me. You are taller than your sisters were at the same age and you are just quite lean rather than stocky. But on the soccer field you are mean green, and don't stay on your feet much but you sure like to score goals! I asked what number you want to be and you said, "21," I said that is Char's number then you said "43"-- I said that was my number-- then you said "78"-- where do you come up with this? Always making me smile. Making all of us smile. It is rare that you are ever upset and when you are you just snuggle in for instant relief. It is truly a pleasure being your Mom. I can reflect now that you are everything I ever wished for and I am so thankful that came true. You add a dynamic to my life and to our family that we so needed. Daddy even went to a wrestling practice with you and got you shoes and head gear, which you refer to as "the headrest." Daddy said, you have a natural bridge--- OH BOY!! You went only a couple times the season ended we will get back at it at a later date. But until then you have sisters to wrestle-- and oh how you love them, especailly your bud Charli. And you love to drive Danica nuts which is the easiest thing to do! We have had a school year with family gatherings, our annual trip to Florida. Last July we spent the month in Florida where we got to swim every day. We traveled for soccer, stayed at some fun hotels with friends. You run around the whole time at the games which is even more fun for you. You come home each day with a new amazing project you completed that I have covered the walls with and excited for whatever comes next whether it is hanging with family, playing in the house or in the yard, going out to eat, even trying on clothes. Which is 100% easier to do with you than your sisters! You have a good eye for lookign handsome and feel so good when you are properly dressed. You also love a good spike with your hair. In Florida, we did have to go through soem tears when your spike wasn't good enough and Eric had to help! It's the little things right AJ! This morning you asked if I can start taking you to school every day. The coolest thing is that next year I will! You will be in full day kindergarten and be in the same school as Danica- which is the coolest thing ever! You have so many adventures ahead and so many firsts - I look forward to every moment with you and so thankful for have you at this part of my life. You are turly a blessing in so many ways. Beyond blessed you are mine. I love you!