my baby's birthday

I can't believe my baby will be 5 years old tomorrow. That sounds so cliched, but I honestly feel that way. Have I really been a mom for 5 years? Yet when I look at the growth and knowledge he has amassed, it does seem that at least five years must have elapsed. 5 years seems like a milestone - the age we send our kids to school, the age they lose their first tooth, the age they start to read. Not to mention all the experts and studies proclaiming that birth to 5 years is the magic window for all sorts of things - learning, character development, relational development. (So is my window closed now? Ridiculous question - of course not.)

But milestones like this do provide a good impetus for examining and evaluating how our adventure in parenting (and for Jacob, in growing up) has gone so far. Also, for looking toward the future and where we want to be in another 5, 10, or 15 years. I don't have any of those answers tonight, but that's where my thoughts are.

Now, on to the fun stuff! Jacob had a great day today. Heath planned great activities for the party. (For those of you who were concerned about me undertaking throwing a birthday party so soon after giving birth, you'll be relieved to know that Heath did the bulk of the cleaning and planned and supervised all the activities. We bought cupcakes, so I didn't even bake.) First, everyone played with and in the rocket blast sprinkler that Grandpa bought for Jacob last weekend. Then, Heath brought out treasure maps with clues that led the kids to a pinata, which they beat to death on the front lawn. We distracted them from the candy with cupcakes and ice cream, then finished up with Jacob opening presents.

We will be giving him our present tomorrow on his actual birthday. Heath is putting together his bike right now. :-)