The big 6

My firstborn is 6.   We tried to keep him 5, but it didn't work.   Tim told him we were going to put a pill in his drink the night before his birthday to keep him from growing up.   He was nervous that could actually happen.   It was super cute.   But despite our best efforts, he is another year older.  

 

He woke up to a balloon bath.

 

Daddy gave him waffles and ice cream for breakfast.

 

Presents before school.

  For another insight to this kid's brain . . .   He wanted a "Presidents" theme for his birthday.   I asked him if he was sure he didn't want super heroes or ninja turtles or something a little more 6 year old boy, but he was positive that this is what he wanted.   So we went with it, and he loved every minute.  

 

This little boy has completely stolen my heart.

 

He is kind and generous and an all around joy to be around.

 

His teacher has told me on many occasions that her perfect class would be full of Georges.

 

Our family would not be what it is without his life.

 

I love you, George, and I can't wait to watch all that God has in store for your special life.

 

You are one of a kind, and we are so blessed that you have been given to us.

 

My first born.

 

The one who made me a mom.

 

You are an incredible delight.

 

Playin' some b-ball outside of the school

We finally put George in an organized sport this Spring.   We have been talking about doing soccer forever but could never find the right fit and schedule for our family.   Upward basketball opened up at the gym where he goes to school, so we decided to jump in.   It was great.   George really enjoyed himself and learned a lot.  

 

  It is amazing to watch your kids grow and soar.   I really didn't know how he would do when we signed him up.   Basketball can be an aggressive sport, and I don't see George as an aggressive kid.   But he definitely held his own.   Actually, he more than held his own.   He was rebounding left and right.   Hustling down the court whenever he had the chance.   Shooting basket after basket and making them.   I was so impressed with his determination and focus.   I love this little guy so much and feel more blessed everyday to be his momma.  

A Day with George

Last week I had the opportunity to chaperone George's class trip to the Children's Museum of Naples.   He really wanted me to go when they sent home the permission slip before Christmas, but I told him it was a long-shot.   They weren't allowing younger siblings to come, and I don't really have anyone to watch the two littlest Bettelli's in Fort Myers yet.   A few days before the trip I asked my mom if she would be willing to come down for 24 hours to watch the kids, so I could go.   She did, and George was so happy that he would have me all to himself for an entire day. When we got there they did a little lesson on the solar system. Then we had lunch around 11. After lunch they gave the kids time outside to play on all the playground toys . . . complete with a maze made out of bushes.  

  Once they got out some of their energy, we came back inside to check out the exhibits. George loved the restaurant space.

He had so much fun with all the hands on activities he got to take part in.

Here he is playing the news anchor roll on tv.

Our day was so much fun, and he wanted to know when we could come back as soon as we left.

The museum was really fun, but I enjoyed my day with George alone even more.

I tell my husband all the time that sometimes I feel like I neglect George.

Ethan and Lexi are so labor intensive at 3 months and 2 years old.

George is 5, and he just has such a compliant personality.

I don't ever want him to feel like he gets lost in the shuffle of our crazy life.

He is so important to me, and I want him to always feel that way.

I truly believe that the best gift we can give our kids is siblings, but I also know that as you add kids to your brood things get crazier and busier. It is always a balancing act, and I hope George knows what a priority he is for me. I love that little boy so, so, so much, and it was such a privilege to hang with him.