Doodlebug - Tally Mark 72

Oh My Rie Rie,

You have been counting down to this day for the last three weeks.  I'm so sorry you have to celebrate in quarantine (thanks, Coronavirus!) but that hasn't seemed to damper your spirit.

What a year five was for you!  You finished up your first season of baseball, had your first session of swim lessons, started kindergarten, started your second season of baseball (Fall ball), learned how to ride a bike, made lots of friends, barely started your third season of baseball (Farm!  And...Coronavirus), and lost your first tooth.  You amazed me in all of these endeavors and more!

You were so blessed to be on the T-ball team you were on!  Mrs. Smith, Carson's mom, was one of your Team Moms.  We knew her from school because she was Ryan's teacher.  It's not uncommon for younger siblings to get the same teacher their older sibling had.  But after getting to know Mrs. Smith, we knew she'd be a much better fit for you than The Lime's kindergarten teacher.  Daddy and I wanted to tell the school we wanted you to be in Mrs. Smith's class but she beat us to it.  She came up to me one day and said, "I hope you don't mind but I requested [Doodlebug] be in my class next year."  And, sure enough, you got her!  You have loved her and she's loved you!  You were recognized as Star Student more times than I can count, and you earned a special recognition your first semester.  It's been tough not seeing her everyday since the middle of March but you love being able to see her on your Zoom meetings every week.  This is her last year teaching kindergarten and we're hoping you'll get her again in second grade!

Speaking of school, we weren't surprised when Mrs. Smith suggested you meet with the Speech Therapist.  Since you started out grunting rather than talking, and it was still hard to understand some words you said, we knew it was coming.  You first worked with Sister Turnbull from church and then Mrs. McMorris when she came back from maternity leave.  We're not the best at remembering to do your homework but you always try your best and never give up!

I reached out to Silas and Tyler's moms a few weeks ago and asked them to do a "drive by" birthday celebration since we still can't have parties.  You originally wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese, then Rockin' Jump, but neither of those can happen this year.  Not being able to see your best buds has been the hardest part of staying at home.  You've told me numerous times, "I just want to see Silas and Tyler!" so I'm hoping their brief visit today will make you extra happy!

We've spent the last year and a half trying to figure out what's going on with your tummy.  The last year has included lots of doctor visits, lab visits, and even a colonoscopy/endoscopy.  It's traumatizing for adults, let alone a five year old.  But even with your tears and fears, you've pushed through and showed me how brave and amazing you are!  When you went in for your procedure, I knew you were scared, and we both almost started crying when they wheeled you away, but you were so strong!  It hasn't been fun for you not being able to eat cheese, milk, ice cream, etc.  Thank you for having a positive attitude and getting excited about the "special" things we get for you.  We're still trying to find a cheese that isn't gross.  One day!

You love riding your bike, watching way too many videos on YouTube (specifically FGTeev), and being read to.  Every night before bed you ask me, "Read book?"  You're usually asleep within minutes of me starting.  You can't go to sleep without your giraffe, panda bear, and blanket you've loved since you were born (the one Sister Tanner gave you).  You don't like it when I tell you I love you but I do it anyway.  You are an early riser, no matter what time you go to bed.  You love Mouse Trap and usually win.  You hate turkeys but love babies.  Seeing you with babies makes my heart melt.  You're going to be such a good dad one day!  You loved getting hot lunch at school before we found out we needed to go dairy free.  You used to alternate doing rock 'n roll hair and "the wave" for school.  Then you got a bike for Christmas and had to wear a helmet everyday so it was whatever would stay after we took your helmet off.  You still get hiccups when you laugh too much.  You have a tendency of having bad dreams and screaming in your sleep for The Lime to stop.  You can never remember what they're about.

Daddy wishes you would stay little forever and I'd have to agree with him.  But we know that won't happen so we'll stand by and enjoy each year that we get to watch you grow.

Guess what, Rie Rie?

I love you!

Mama