OMG STEVIE IS 5!!  And this is the first year he understands it’s his birthday.  For the last month, he kept telling us my birthday coming up soon.  And when we’d ask how old he was going to be, he finally stopped saying two and started giving the right answer.  This morning he woke up ready to celebrate!  He wants chicken nuggets, hot dogs, cheeseburgers and fries at his birthday party (which won’t be until January, because Christmas.)

He has been talking so much.  Saying real things like:

Sounds like a plan.
What’s up, buddy?
Guess what?  I love you the most.
Hi bubbas.
Alright, sure!
After we go shopping, I want to lay down and nap.

It’s like little bits of actual conversation.  Each new phrase, no matter how simple, gets me really excited. As do the hugs and kisses he requests occasionally.

We recently had a meeting with his teachers to discuss kindergarten.  (Uh WHAT).  He will be going to a school next fall that has a program for special needs kids who need maximum support.  His assessment test scores are still very low for his age and that can be pretty discouraging to see written down so officially on paper.  But after I talk myself down, I always know in my heart that as long as he’s trying and making some progress and being a kind person in general, that’s the most important thing.

He’s been learning bits of songs and walks around singing Jingle Bells and ABC’s (in his own order) all day long.  He’s doing great at school too.  Following directions and trying so hard to socialize.  We are not out of the woods with his behavior at home, but we work on it every day.  And as with any human being, some days are better than others.  He is enjoying swim class too – FINALLY.  Sometimes a little too much, when he tries to jump in the pool without his instructor.

Stevie has transitioned pretty well to the new house.  Going to sleep in his new room (and moving to our bed around midnight).  My big dreams of him playing outside haven’t exactly panned out.  The only outside toy he has is a tricycle, so he gets bored pretty fast.  We’re hoping Santa can help us out in that department.

Oh Stevie!  Happy birthday my little munchkin nugget stinker butt.  Keep working.  Keep trying.  Keep being brave.  Keep being funny.  We are so proud of you.  We are so surprised by you.

And as you would say in Stevie-speak: we wuff you da most.