Dear Miles,
How in the heck did you get so old? As you already know, as my last kiddo, you will ALWAYS be my baby. Hard to believe the blur of midnight feedings and chunky toddler legs has slipped by me in the blink of an eye.
Today you are five.
You are big enough to get yourself dressed {although not always correctly}, but still small enough to run to me the second your feelings get hurt or you get a cut worthy of a character band-aid. Being the youngest, you have hit milestones well before your sisters, just by watching them. This year, you’ve beat me at Mario Kart, learned how to ride your bike, and taken in some solid math skills thanks to your sister. It has been fun to watch your confidence grow right along with your brain.
Speaking of your sisters, you ADORE both of them. Depends on the day which one you flock too, but it’s clear to me — Kinley is for the motherly needs and Karina is for your wild side. You and Kar share mischievous trouble often, and there are always laughs made at your expense…Sorry dude. Older siblings are a pain like that. I promise to intervene when it gets bad, but as you know, these girls are for sure going to make you a strong communicator with women 😉
In fact, the one glaring difference between you and your sisters is your adoration of ME. I was always told “boys love their mamas” and it has been so true for us. I adore your need for affection and how you can’t go to sleep without a hug and kiss from me. You still insist I sing to you, too, and I know it will be a sad day when you’re ready to let that go.
I still chuckle that your name is Miles, and we love calling you Miles of Smiles because it’s true — you are such a happy boy! Daddy likes to jokingly call you our puppy because you are ALWAYS happy to see us, and in need of love. Never stop being such a joy spreader. You complete our family, and bring such comic relief. We appreciate it!
During the past year, you’ve made friends with all kinds of random kids — you make friends wherever you go, and that has been super special since your my final baby. You definitely have a rough and tumble about you though that can easily be squashed with the right look or the promise of a hug. You thrive with physical touch, and I do my best to provide that to you LOTS during the day. Your grumpy moods are typically pretty easily squashed with affection or a mid-day bath. You request the Jewel lullaby CD whenever you know you need a nap — it’s the best!
Like your big sister, you love and crave movement and thrive with routine. Hearing you ask daily “Is it a gym day?” is my favorite. You never question the places I make you go, but you love knowing what’s going to happen in our day. You truly have an adventuresome soul, which I appreciate since I do too!
There is one thing for sure: I am going to miss the heck out of you this year as you begin your journey into begindergarten and “big school,” as you like to call it. I have no doubt you are ready, and will do amazing things. I’m glad to give you one more year to have low academic pressure and more play, and just adjust to the school routine.
This past year with just you at home will be one I always look upon fondly. It has been so super special to have so much time just you and me. You bring me joy, you make me laugh, and I appreciate your willingness to try new adventures. Never stop being you, my SONshine.
Love you to the mom and back, times infinity.
Kisses,
Mommy
Lauren, I love that you wrote a letter to your son on his birthday. Katie does the same thing. Your children will so enjoy reading these in the years to come. Miles sounds like an amazing young man, just like his Mom, his smile is contagious. Keep up the great work, you will be rewarded tenfold.
Awe! Treasure these sweet moments. As soon as puberty hits they start drifting away which is completely normal and heartbreaking all at the same time. Happy Birthday, cutie!