You made it to 5!

Dear Ethan,

When you were a baby everyone told me (even the 20 week fetal ultrasound technician) that I'd have my hands full with you. When you were born your eyes were wide open, anxiously ready to observe everyone and everything in your new world. The labor and delivery nurse gasped in amazement of your wide eyed observations. She said to me "that's a very good sign" and another nurse said "he's an old soul". We called you "the little old man". From the beginning you always did seem like this old explorer man trapped in a little baby body, eager to break free and be on your way. You talked early, formed complex sentences and seemed wise way beyond your years. When you were 2 1/2 you ran away (one of many times) from me. This time in the mall. You went into Hot Topic and persuaded the manager to buy you a McDonald's happy meal telling the man you hadn't eaten in days (very Ethan). I found you a while later sitting in the food court, chatting it up with a security guard, not a scared bone in your body. Another time you ran away from me (once again in the mall) and told the lady in See's candy that your mother hadn't fed you all day. She preceded to give you free fudge and I found you on about the third piece. I'm glad the running away phase ended at 4. I can sleep a little better at night now. When you were three, you persuaded a whole group of boys at the park, ranging from about 4-8 years old, that you were the son of Superman sent here to Earth to defeat Lex Luther and that they must help you on this mission to rid the earth of such evil. They all followed you around the park for about an hour, devoted servants to your cause. Quite the imagination.

You are a wonderful boy. What I love the most about you is your kind nature. You sincerely care about others, which is rare for a boy your age. You're eager to learn and do very well in school. You're empathetic, friendly, funny, clever, creative, determined, helpful,a true friend, a good brother and of course, devilishly handsome. I'm sorry you were sick on your birthday, that's no fun. We'll go to Soldier Hollow another time. Thank you for choosing us to be your parents. I know we're not perfect, we're figuring it out as we go and we want nothing but the absolute best for you. I wonder what you'll be when you grow up? Maybe the President? Or maybe you'll climb Mt. Everest? Or maybe you'll be a Nascar driver, you're pretty good at driving that Power Wheels car of yours.

These past 5 years have been quite a roller coaster with you. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you to pieces my "little old man". Happy Birthday!

Love,

Your mom.

P.S. Please stop using my fine jewelry for items in your treasure hunt. That's what the mardis gras beads are for that I gave you. And thank you for finally giving me back my wedding ring (one year later), I do appreciate that it was not traded, bartered, pawned or melted into coins.