*SIGH*

It was just 5 short years ago when we were blessed with our first little one Braxten. New parents that didn't know what to expect and who were scared and anxious and we were blessed with the most perfect first child any parent could ask for. Being the first you had to live through all our mistakes in raising you and you are able to bounce back from every one of them. As a baby you were so sweet and so happy we had no complaints and you were patient and taught us how to be parents. At 6 months, by no fault of your own (your leg) you ended up putting us through one of the most grueling tests a parents can ever face, it pushed mommy and daddy to a point where we broke and never truly recovered from it and still you were there, happy as can be, forgiving for all that you were put through and mommy and daddy couldn't have been happier to just be with and have you. You are so smart, so intelligent and so funny. You have graced us with such sayings as... sasasa say... MAONEY.... whaT?....lasterday and lasternight... and I thought I was going to puke!
You can give looks to kill and were the only baby I have ever known that could make someone feel like an idiot for trying to entertain you. You teach me just as much as I teach you... we are growing together everyday and everyday you amaze me in the wonder you find in the world and in the innocence childhood holds. Even though it may not seem like it I love spending every moment I have with you wondering, exploring, questioning, and laughing. You are the best biggest brother any child could ask for... you give the fair share of teasing but you will step up for one of your brothers in a moment. You make me laugh with your excuses and what you find as injustices of life (eating two more bites of dinner, not watching Spiderman 3 everyday, and writing your name) your quick wit and the fact that you wont let mommy and daddy slip up. You grasp concepts I didn't know a five your old could (somewhat the value of money and time, also the value of keeping your room clean and how huffy you get when others mess up your room!) You are caring and responsible beyond what I thought any five year old could be. You understand tears and mommies sadness and know when I need a hug and when I need to laugh! I have so many memories with you and I look forward to watching you grow up and learn all that you have to teach me. I look forward to every stage you will hit and I will cry as it passes, I will cry when I no longer hear you say mommy but mom, the first time you go to bed without my stories and kisses, the first day of school that is fast approaching, your first time you step out that door on your own!! You are my oldest but will always be my baby, the one who molds me as a parent and adult just as much as I mold you! I love you! I can't believe you are five!!