Russell shows his (lack of) age with his logic. He just asked me, "Mom, can we get a new house because the floors in this one are always making me slip?"
Two memories from our hospital stay when Russell was born:
1) J.T. stepped out to get a special dinner for us. He returned with food from a nearby Macaroni Grill. We enjoyed their dish with chicken, artichokes, and pasta. We returned there for a date around Russell's first birthday and enjoyed that dish again.
2) We were in the hospital enjoying our sweet little bundle of joy (we had 2 nights in the hospital). I was using my new smart phone to call and vote while watching American Idol on the TV in our hospital room. I had never voted during a reality show but I knew Chris Daughtry because he was one of the service guys in our local Honda dealership. I went to Wikipedia to confirm my memory and found this:
A Birthday Letter From Dad:
Russell's 5!
Wow buddy, where did my baby boy go?
I so love when you want to curl up and read, even if it is mostly comic books and super heroes you choose, I've been struck by several times you wanting to choose the Bible - and not the kids one either.
You are very strong and active, turning somersaults and cartwheels on the couch, bouncing and climbing everywhere and rarely sitting still. And smart too, you've figured out just how to get then shows you want on the replay computer, something most adults give up on. You are fascinated by putting together different combinations of Lego men. You seem to be a natural leader as you set the agenda for your friends and cousins when they come around . You are very full of confidence, declaring you know how to swim, though I fear you are just getting comfortable dog-paddling with a life vest on.
You surprise those around you with your vocabulary and talkativeness ... You are certainly not shy, regularly telling complete strangers about something that interests you.
I enjoyed taking you to breakfast recently and sitting together, and letting you play at Chick-fil-a ... You were a perfect gentleman, sitting and conversing earnestly about whatever came into your mind.
You touched my heart with your care and concern and sharing recently ... I was trying to pull together a breakfast on the way out the door to drive Ross and Lydia to Claxton, then on to work, and I asked Mom if we had any yogurt, which we didn't ... you immediately piped up that I should take your Trix yogurt, when I tried to decline since it was you last one, you insisted, oh no Daddy, you will like it, it's raspberry. And I did. That container is sitting on my desk (along with some Father's day crafts you made and the fill in the blank that I weigh 600 pounds) to remind me of what a sweet and caring boy you can be.
Russell, I love you forever and for always, from the moment I received you from your mother and cut there cord it knew you would be a special treat, full of surprises and bound to blossom in unique ways. I really enjoy sharing time with you and watching you grow. Can't wait to see how God will shape and mold you through our family and the experiences of your life!
I love you my little man!
Daddy
A Birthday Letter From Mom:
Dear Russell,
I told you today that your birthday is the day you were born. You seemed to already know that. 5 years ago.... Yes, that feels about right. My memories of that precious day with your father and Aunt Liz are within reach but distant by the passing of long days and short years.
I reminded Dad that you were our only child who came out of the womb and began to EXPLORE. When they laid you near my neck, your head was resting on the hospital sheet. You stuck out your tongue and checked out the sheet for a minute or so. You seem to be a curious little fellow.
I want you to know how much I love you. I'm proud of the young man you're becoming and can't wait to see your other traits unfold.
Memories I'll always hold from this past year as your parent include: Pushing you to and from school in your jogging stroller, watching you learn to ride a 2-wheeled Razor scooter like the big kids (although you don't even like to ride your bike because the training wheels are "too tippy"), pushing you down Michigan Avenue in Chicago in your stroller, pushing you in your stroller along the course of Lydia's first 5K. Do you notice the stroller theme? You are a champ to roll along with our plans.
You’ll learn about life at your own pace. Right now, I'm glad to watch you play with your Legos and make truck noises. We're just signed you up for Kindergarten. Are you ready for that? I'm not sure if I am but you do seem to be eager to read.
This letter may not mean much to you. Maybe you’d rather have some colorful card I bought at the drugstore. In the future, though, as you grow up, you’ll always have the
memories that come with this letter.
Even though I may read this letter to you now, I’m really writing it for the
grown-up person you’re in the process of becoming. I’ll TRY TO do this every year and
one day, you’ll have a chronological catalog of my caring.
I bet you’ll always be able to remember the time when we all got the rabies shot series because an unvited bat spent the night in our house.
At school, right now you really enjoy going to the prize box and playing with your buddy Dominick M.
You’ll grow, develop, and change in the years ahead, for sure. Right now,
though, as I see who you already are, I can imagine that you’ll grow to be the
kind of person who takes care of others, negotiates well, and explores the unknown.
During the year ahead, one of the things I’ll focus on as your parent is helping you learn to swim and ride your bike. Dad will help me out with that. You have a wonderful, involved Daddy who loves me well, too. We couldn't ask for anything better.
Love,
Mom
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