#5

Today is #5's birthday.

Happy 9th birthday #5.

And, yes you have to go to school today! And, every day the rest of the year, just in case you were wondering. Not that you ask me that question every, single, solitary, day or anything.

#5 was the only baby handed to me the moment of his birth, I'll never forget gazing into the biggest, curious, blue eyes I have ever seen. You gazed around at me and dad, the doctor, the nurse, no crying just eagerness to see every bit of this amazing life you were beginning.

You still have the most beautiful, blue eyes and an insatiable curiosity about life. I love your commitment to the History, and Discover channel, your passion for learning from everyone you meet.

A deep, strong, passionate current of compassion and courage of conviction run eternally through your beautiful soul. There will be those who tell you not to feel so much, to compromise, ignore those voices. Love passionately and fully every person and experience in your life your pure love will lead you to joy.

Remember to laugh. When you were barely three you asked me what a Mexican chicken says? Taco Doodle Doo still makes me laugh every time I think of it. Your name means to laugh, life is full of funny stuff masquerading as serious, always look for the laugh in a situation. Laughter is the wide angle lens of life, zoomed in too tightly on an experience we lose the perspective of it's place in the big picture. I love how closely you examine each tiny detail noticing the slightest detail or nuance, I love how quickly you perceive the bigger picture, how the small and seemingly insignificant create the whole.

#5 you were born on mothers day. You look the most like me, the only son with the same hair and eye color. Each day you teach me to be a better person.

Happy Birthday