Six years old...Such a BIG kid now!
I recently skimmed (I will eventually read it in its entirety but I have yet to have a chance to do so) the book "Your Six Year Old: Loving and Defiant," which I think has perfectly described Jack since he hit the 5 1/2 year mark, coinciding with Rigby's arrival. Each day holds moments that completely drive us crazy. He has an inexplicable need to move his body all the time- I wonder if this makes learning while having to sit still at his school desk difficult for him. He chooses the most baffling things about which to be stubborn. And, he grows frustrated about things, like his artwork, every easily. But there are more moments each day where we see how creative his thoughts are, how curious of a mind he has, and how sweet his heart is.
Jack loves to be read to and to listen to us tell him stories of which he chooses the characters involved. Reading is both a very calming and pleasurable activity for him. He loves Roald Dahl books, Charlotte's Web, and Harry Potter (although we stopped reading at book two since the concepts are starting to get scarier and more abstract with the time travel). His vocabulary is quite extensive and he loves learning new words or ways to say things. Our mornings are marked by him illustrating books typically of a story he has just read, or by building a new Lego creation. He is always designing his own Lego to play with and he always says, "This looks like it came from a Lego kit you buy, right, Mama?" and often, it really does. He has a knack for design and creativity.
Read MoreJack is scheduled to begin Kindergarten this week (he was actually supposed to begin today, but the teachers in Seattle have voted to strike regarding some wage disagreements, so the exact start date is unknown). But. KINDERGARTEN. REAL school. Yesterday, we had orientation. We met his teacher and his classmates and explored in his classroom.
Read More2014, you have been fun, busy, frustrating, wonderful, horrible, gut wrenching, filled with laughter, tears, happy hearts, and hearts that felt like they were breaking apart, lonely, dark, light, miraculous, and in the end both trying and awesome...full of adventure, pain, sadness, and happiness.
Read MoreDear Jack, You are FIVE years old! And, life with you is such a treasure and full of so much fun! You love Legos and currently have converted your train table to a Lego building table. Every day, there is at least one Lego creation being built. I try my best to keep them organized and color sorted, but they inevitably end up in a rainbow heap by the end of the week. We are now reading chapter books at bedtime; currently, we are reading the first Harry Potter book and you love to listen and ask a lot of questions- I think the question asking is what you use to stay awake. Usually, you fall asleep after five (or fewer) pages and it is so sweet to watch you sleep...when you are still, I'm reminded of how little you still are. You continue to be quite opinionated, creative, and very good at telling stories. Your name always attracts a lot of attention. People love to call you by your full name- Jack Lamar- and often say you are going to be famous one day, maybe the President or an actor. I think movie Director is more your style and I think that would be something you would love doing as you do it so well now with our stories and our play. You are also still very sweet and cuddly and give the best kind of kisses and hugs. You are a great friend and are well loved at school by peers your own age and those who are much younger. You love to be a big helper, you get shy in busy situations with a lot of stimulation but are quick to warm up, and you still want Mama and Dada to go everywhere with you which makes us proud and so happy.
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