FIVE. in 2017

You are five!

You’ve been waiting for what seemed like forever to be five.

I hope it’s all that you hoped for.

Your personality continues to evolve and grow, and each day you show me new ways to be so proud of you.

Your empathy continues to be a huge area of focus for us, and it really feels like it pays off in the most beautiful ways. I see your sense of humanity and connection come through in little bits and pieces, through stories and gestures, and it warms my heart. Your connection with your sister and your concern for her well-being; your care of your puppy and thoughtfulness about his wants and needs; your drawings of the family and your cards for friends and loved ones; these things all show how your brain works and what you deem to be important. It’s lovely to see how you can express the depths of your love for those that are most important to you.

You started soccer a few weeks ago, and you’ve never really played before. But you’re consistently learning new skills and scoring during almost every scrimmage and game, and it’s thrilling for you. You’re not an excellent loser, yet, but we are working on the pure joy of the game and loving it for what it is - teamwork, exercise, improvement, etc. Not just focusing on keeping score and who wins and loses. That will come, but first let’s have FUN!

Your energy is endless, and so are your questions. You are particularly intrigued by the idea of death and dying, and have so many tough questions about it. You want to know when, where and how we will all die, and you’re so worried that someone you know will die and ‘be gone forever.’ It breaks my heart to see you worrying about such Big Things; your soul is so sensitive and wise.

School is going well; I’m so glad we decided to put you in Transitional Kindergarten to give you a full year of learning before you officially become a Kindergartener. You were so concerned about how young you are compared to all of your preschool friends, and the gap has become even wider with the oldest kindergarteners who are already 6! Next year, you proudly proclaim, you will be one of the oldest kids in your kindergarten class, and I think it will greatly benefit your confidence and happiness to be in the ‘oldest’ position, slightly ahead of the game instead of the ‘youngest’ position, constantly playing catch-up. You’re very interested and engaged in what you are learning, and you’re completing homework like a champ. I think the TK homework is much easier than what the kindergarteners are doing, but because of this, you really enjoy doing it and feel smart and confident about it. It’s a delight to see you cruising through your letters and numbers, and actively wanting to ‘learn’ to read. It’s heartwarming and sad all at the same time.. you’re growing up SO fast now; it feels like we are in hyper speed even if we are technically pacing a bit slower.

You’re still adjusting to the social dynamics of school, but I think you are making some good connections and learning that this is a different ball game than preschool. You’re opening up with more kids than you used to, looking for your new tribe, but being aware that you have the ability to ‘help’ other kids that don’t make friends as easily. We talk about this being your superpower - wherever we go, you make new friends pretty easily. I’ve asked you to help kids that don’t have that same power, and I think you understand the concept. I’m hoping it translates into action.

In some ways I can’t believe you are already five, but in others, I can’t believe you are only five. Your wisdom, comprehension and ability to think critically continues to amaze me - and part of that is just your age and I’m just learning what being five is all about…but part of that is your soul, which is so fundamentally sweet and curious. And wise, beyond your years.

I love you so much Joaquin. You’re my first born and I will always treasure the day that you made me a ‘mom.’ I’m so proud of you and happy for you. I can’t wait to see what the next year brings.

I’m one lucky mama.