I can’t believe that my “baby” turns six today. “I don’t have any more babies,” I sniffed. “I will ALWAYS be your baby, “ Sean reassured me with a hug and a kiss. That child…he definitely owns a huge chunk of my heart! 🙂 Practically every parent thinks that his or her child is exceptional…and we are all right! As Sean turns six, I’m thinking about the six main things that I love about Sean (in no particular order)…
1. He is a ton of fun. You wouldn’t know this unless you are a part of his “inner circle”, but this kid is hilarious. He has a quick mind and often comes up with silly one-liners that keep the family cracking up. One of our friends remarked, “You just need to follow him around with a camera (to catch his craziness/silliness).” His comedic timing really is spot on!
2. He is smart in a self-motivated way. His teacher wrote me a card earlier this year saying in part, “I want to thank you for doing such a fine job at home with Sean!” after he scored higher than anyone in his school had ever seen on some test. A part of me was tempted to write back, “I’m really not doing that much, but thanks!” It is not false modesty. I don’t. I help when asked and make sure that he has what he needs but that is about it. (As the perfect example, you can see my take on homework!)
3. He intuitively knows to keep his acquaintances many and his friends few. One of his pre-k teachers mentioned this quality…and it’s true. “I stay away from people who bother me,” he mentioned on the way home from school yesterday. A parent (who had overheard our conversation) chimed in, “Smart kid!” It took me WAY more than six years to figure that out!
4. He loves, loves, loves his extended family. He sees his cousins on his dad’s side every week at church, but every week it seems like it’s a family reunion/he hasn’t seen them in years. He doesn’t see my family as much because they are down South, but he is so happy whenever he does. I hope that never changes.
5. He adds so much to our immediate family. I enjoyed Michael so much when he was little that I wanted him to have a little brother as a best friend. It didn’t even occur to me that they might not get along? Fortunately, they enjoy and love each other very much. Michael is Sean’s favorite person. They argue, they tussle, they have their “you’re not my brother any more” moments, but most of all they play together, plot together and have each other’s backs. We couldn’t have asked for a better youngest son or brother!
6. He has exceptional character. He has a strong sense of what is right and wrong. He knows and understands a lot. He is what we call an “old soul” down south. He is quiet in school settings (not at home!) but he has a strong presence. I will admit that I was concerned regarding how he would do at Michael’s school…if he would make his own mark. (Michael has a more outgoing personality. They call him the “mayor” at school, because he talks to everyone – kids and adults alike.) I didn’t even need to be concerned. His behavior and “smarts” have made Michael “Sean’s brother” in several situations already. The kids are (both) all right!
Happy Birthday to the youngest love of my life…our Seany! (It seems like it was just yesterday that Sean turned FIVE?!