Tuesday, October 05, 2010

a very tall 6-year-old

I know it has been some time since I have posted. I have had a particularly busy semester so far--I'm teaching 5 classes instead of 4, all with lots of papers to grade.

But this is important. Benjamin is 6 today!!! Much like his father does, he has been counting down the days to his birthday for the past 6 months. Last night, he could barely fall asleep. This morning, he woke extra early, bouncing through the house in his Super Mario pajamas, proclaiming his age. I asked him what he would do now that he was 6, and he just shook his head and said, "Mo-om." Like, you are ridiculous. He hugged me for a good long time this morning before school and he felt so large and gangly in my arms. It's unbelievable to me that he was an infant at one point. When we are in public, people think he is 7--even 8. When he was a baby, he was angry and quiet. Now he is sweet and loud. He cracks jokes and gets 100% on his spelling and math tests. He helps his little brother learns the letters and puts up with Elliott's constant imitation of him. He gets stressed out at even the smallest things, even when I ask him how his day was. I am sad that 6 years will pass seemingly in an instant once again and this day will seem so far away again.

At this moment, he is leaning his blond little head against my shoulder, watching a Robin (of Batman fame) cartoon, his chin resting thoughtfully against his fist. Seconds ago, there was a scene that scared him and so he curled up against me. I love that. I will miss that.

For now though, I am so proud of this little boy. He is helpful and kind and thoughtful and smart and handsome and I feel privileged to be his mom.