My 6-Year Old Wonder

You are a wonder, you are...

...a complex concoction of sweetness, goodness, mischief and chatterbox all wrapped up and neatly packaged into the cutest little boy I know.

Four years ago, I heard your sweet cry as the orphanage worker walked down the long hallway toward us-- it was then that I felt the pang, the wrenching bond that is the love of a child. Within minutes, I was transformed. I was no longer simply a woman. At that moment, I knew the very essence of parenthood and the power that such tiny hands could wield on my heart.

That was four years ago.

Now, as we celebrate your 6th birthday, I look at you with both awe and admiration. Your long, lean legs continue to bring you closer and closer to my gaze and your vocabulary (and ability to use it correctly) amazes me. You love all things football, Transformers and truck-related. You are doing great in school and are learning to read. We have conversations you and I. Politics, religion, American Idol, you name it...nothing is off-limits. You want so badly to be a grown-up. But, don't grow up too quickly ... my heart will break soon enough.

You have also gone through a huge transition ... becoming a big brother. I say this with the utmost sincerity: you are the best big brother in the world. I observe the way you comfort your brother and the way your face lights up when I bring him into a room. Your father and I are so incredibly proud of the "big boy" you're becoming.

Happy Birthday, Big Daddy. We love you more than words can say.