Six and a Half

Our Big Guy is 6 1/2 Today

A half is a big deal when you are so little. The biggest difference I see between 6 and 6 1/2 is reading ability. He still loves Star Wars just as much as ever and told me this morning what he wanted for Christmas. We call him the absent-minded professor. He floats through life without thinking sometimes. He played Scrabble with my Mom yesterday and beat her with a 50 point word play. He tried to play with his little brother this morning and I overheard "I am the only one that can spell so you have to do what I say."

He has just about learned that doing something wrong is still wrong even when you aren't caught. He asked an "old lady" to get in the pool and swim last weekend. When she said she was too old to swim and would just watch, he tried to convince her otherwise. He tried to get her to stick her feet in. Could you ask for more than your child helping the elderly? :-)

He really loves to do things just to upset his brother. He will do the opposite of whatever the Little Guy wants if given the opportunity. He definitely sets the tone of our house with his attitude. He is strong willed and doesn't like to be compliant in any way unless he is in a really good mood or there is something in it for him.

He loves all sports and is already concerned with being with his friends and what they think. He is 6 1/2 going on 16 1/2. He is a social butterfly never needing downtime. He is always ready for the next big fun event and doesn't know why every day is not a "fun day". Except for not wanting downtime, he is the most like me in our family. Neither of us ever want to travel to space (among other things). Being so alike often causes conflict between us and yet I feel like I understand him better at the same time. All of his firsts have been and will be a big deal because it is the first time experiencing them as a parent.

For a long time he has wanted to be a chef when he grows up. That is very exciting for me since I hate to cook. I think there is plenty of time for him to change his mind and not want to be Head Chef at Chuck E. Cheese. He has told me a few times that he won't move away and will live here forever. That makes me smile, even if I know it isn't true. His favorite thing to say to me is "I love you more than you love me." He likes to argue how much more he loves me. He has tried it with other important people in his life, but he continues it daily with me because he likes my response. I make a big deal about it, say "no way!" and act shocked that he would think that. Every day he makes one or two new Lego Star Wars Spaceships (I don't know the real names of them like he does). I'm amazed at his creativity and ability.

Happy 1/2 birthday, Big Guy!