A Letter to Our Sweet Samuel For His Sixth Birthday

My sweet Samuel,

The other night Papa and I went out on a date and Nana stayed here with you guys. She said that while we were out Finley got hurt and started crying, "I want my mama!" She ran in her room and didn't want Nana to pick her up. You came in soon after and picked up Finley. She rested her head on your shoulder and stopped crying. You're not much bigger than her, but you held her, anyway. You're such a good big brother.

One of my favorite things about you is your loving heart and how affectionate you are. You love to cuddle with me on the couch, sit on Papa's lap, and have us lay with you in bed for a bit before you fall asleep. Your love languages (for now) are physical touch and gifts, you love to give and receive love in both of these ways. Every walk we go on or whenever we're at the park, if you see a flower or a dandelion you're sure to pick it to give to me as a gift (and, now you give one to both Finley and I). You love to sit on our laps and give hugs and cuddle. When I lay with you in bed sometimes you'll hold my face between your hands. So precious.

You're also incredibly passionate, strong willed, and you know what you want. Sometimes this is difficult when parenting, but I know these are great traits to have throughout your life. I know that you won't be influenced by others. You're gentle when relating to people, right now you're a little bit shy, but you're unwavering in your convictions. You are strong and steady (like Papa).

Two weeks ago you started attending The Little School. We had talked about you attending before and you were unsure about it. When Teacher Carol said a spot opened up at the school and you could started attending you still weren't sure if you wanted to. You were nervous to start something new and, to be honest, I was nervous for you. I wanted to make the right decision for you and I didn't want you to feel afraid or to be somewhere you didn't want to be. You decided that you did want to go, but you were still nervous. I explained to you that it's always scary starting something new, but if we don't try then we'll never get to do new things and find new things that we love. On the first day you said you wanted Papa to stay all day with you. He said he couldn't, but when it was time for him to drop you and Judah off you were fine. When I picked you up after the first day you said you loved it and you have loved going every day since. I love that we get the best of both worlds- Tues-Thus at The Little School and the rest of the days you're home with me. I love that you're feeling more confident away from us and also that you feel secure with Judah there with you.

My sweet Samuel, you are an incredible gift to our family. Your name means, "asked of God" and, like I always tell you, we asked God for you and He gave us YOU. You are valuable and cherished and smart and funny and so amazing. We adore everything about you.

We love you, our sweet, sweet boy!
Love, Mama (and Papa)