To my Ezra, on his 6th Birthday

Happy Birthday, my Ezra.  As you lay on the couch shrieking at me for ruining your birthday cake (I swear I did what you told me), I gotta say, I'm not feelin' it...but that's what life is with you, Ezra.  It's constant ups and downs. I never know what I'm going to get when you wake up each morning.  In this way, things haven't changed all that much in 6 years.  You still throw tantrums multiple times a day, you still think you know more then everyone else, and you still can be a sweet cuddly boy when you want to be.  It all just depends on your ever-changing moods.

 Moms. ruin. everything.

However, you have grown up in so many ways  too.  You're going to Kindergarten now and are putting that incredible memory of yours to good use by learning the Articles of Faith.  You're still great friends with Simon and the Sheffer boys, but now you have new school and neighborhood friends too!  I'm more then a little relieved that you're making such good friends since you've been more then happy to just chill by yourself in the past and I was a little worried you wouldn't bother yourself with the effort of getting to know people.  But you are and that makes me happy.  Also, you only have me sing to you at night about half of the time, which is bittersweet for me.  Sweet because it mean the ever-long bedtime routine is getting shorter and bitter because it's proof that your childhood is slipping by.

 Simey and Ezzie

I'd like to claim that I get you like I do your sisters, but honestly I don't.  That doesn't mean I love you any less.  Heaven knows I love you infinitely...but so often I find myself boggled by you.  You are just a foreign little creature that somehow managed to come out of me 6 long and short years ago.  Ezra, you're so darn smart it kills me.  Numbers, and processes, and all things mechanical just come so naturally to you...obviously from your father.  Remember, though, to never use that to an unfair advantage.  Use your intelligence for good, Ezzie Boy.  Remember to respect all the different kind of intelligences in their own rights, which I suspect might be a weakness of yours.  Just because someone learns things differently or has strengths in different areas, doesn't mean they aren't smart too.  Use your own intelligence to help them, not hurt them.

The Great Scholar

As before, you're still very picky with food and clothes, but I like to think we've gotten into a groove of sorts.  You're slowly stretching little by little (now instead of plain beans you'll eat some with some minor seasonings, sans-sauce and will put on a belt for church ;), which is met with much rejoicing. I think part of that comes with growing up...you're beginning to realize that there are things that are expected of you, in the way you dress and what you eat and so many other things.  You're a big boy now and are expected to act a little more like one.  You're beginning to get more grown-up in so many ways.  You are also a great big brother, especially to Oak.  You love him so darn much and are always willing to cuddle and entertain him.  You waited for a good long while for a brother and you're still so happy that you got one.  Remember to always be a good example for Oak and your little sisters, Ezra.  They look up to you so much.

Big Brother, meet Little Brother

Oh my little man, you've gotten so big on me.  You are one of the least shy people I know.  That's not to say you're particularly outgoing, because you're not at all, you're just very content with yourself and confident in your abilities and see very little to get embarrassed about.  Today was the primary sacrament meeting program in church and you did so great.  You gave your part so clearly and confidently and remembered it so well.  You just never hesitate being in front of people, whether it is giving a talk in church or singing in school.  Your daddy and I are so proud of you.

What a handsome little man :)

I love you, my Sunshine.  You were my first baby and for that you will always hold a special place in my heart.  You have all the abilities and meticulousness of an engineer and all the emotions of an art-lover and in those ways you are a true blend of your daddy and me.  I love watching you grow and learn everyday and I can't wait to watch you grow into the great man I know you'll become.  I love you so much, my dear. So, so much. 

Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy!

ps-I love how in the friend picture and scholar picture Ezra is wearing the exact same outfit.  Promise the two pictures were actually taken months and months apart, that's just Ezra's "smart" outfit that he wears when he's dressed to impress...and the only time he will ever abide wearing a polo.