Six

Time flies and all that jazz but seriously, how is it possible that my baby boy is six??  Some days it seems like just yesterday that Milo was born and other days it feels that he has been with us forever.  

I love watching him become more independent.  Sometimes we have to remind ourselves he is just six.  Every once in a while I think we expect too much from Milo but it is because he often acts like he is beyond his years.  He engages with the world in his own unique way and Mark and I are continually amazed by him.  

During our trip to DC it was fun to watch Milo run out into the new city with so much bravery.  Dude, the little brown dog, was Milo's constant companion and because the pup was always tucked safely under his arm, Milo had that tiny bit of security he needed to face all those new and different experiences.  

As his Mommy, I want desperately to understand Milo.  Sometimes I do and then other times not so much.  He often gets this faraway look in his eye (usually at the most inopportune time) and we end up yelling at him to 'hurry, get dressed' or 'come on bud, we have places to be!'  He can do 2nd grade math in kindergarten but has the hardest time putting his clothes on facing the right way.  I want to know where he is when he drifts off... what is he thinking about that is engulfs him so completely?

Milo is the only kid I have ever known that would prefer to stay home vs. doing anything else.  Once we get him out he is fine (for awhile) but his favorite thing in the world is cuddling up on the couch with us.  I love that he likes being with us and I especially love those moments where we are cuddled up watching one of his shows and he is holding my hand.

Speaking of kindergarten, Milo loves his school which makes us very happy of course!  He is going into Montessori first grade which is the perfect fit for him.  We love that they are able to focus on each individual kid's strengths and help them grow in those things and become confident in who they are.

His favorite color is blue and until recently, he almost exclusively watched Phineas and Ferb.  He continues to like rules and will make sure his friends follow them!  He is not bad about policing himself either though.  A few months ago he liked to watch a show called Kick Buttowski (yes, I know...  ) until he saw the rating one day that it is recommended for kids over 7.  He came to me and Mark and told us that he did not think he should watch it anymore because he was just 5.

Milo has definitely taken after his daddy when it comes to eating!  That kid could survive on muffins, cookies and ice cream though he does like 'trees' otherwise known as broccoli.  Hopefully he also gets his daddy's metabolism!

I can't wait to watch as my sweet boy continues to grow into the person he will be!  I love him of course but sometimes I am shocked by how much I truly like him.  He is funny and has the biggest heart.  He cries easily when things are sad, especially if he feels that someone has been hurt.  He has a very strong sense of empathy and is sensitive himself.  His teacher described it perfectly when she said that he tries really hard and he gets upset if he feels someone doesn't understand him.

What else?  He likes to do art and will often make decorations for the house which he hangs up with blue painters tape.  He still wants to be a carpenter when he grows up and he has lately gotten into Lego models like Ninjago and Chima (which is the perfect craft...  they combine toys and 'construction' into one project!).  He has an ear for music and can pick up a song after just hearing it once or twice.  He often sings to himself while he is coloring or when he is in the bath.  I just asked him what else he liked and he said, "You, Mommy."  The feeling is mutual sweetheart.