Six years ago today
At the kindergarten concert.
After the concert (not a metamorphosis, just really good face paint.)
Dear Will,
I was almost willing to believe it when you turned five, with those long lanky legs barely fitting on my lap. But it certainly doesn’t seem that another year could have gone by so quickly, meaning that you are six today.
So here we are—you a first grader to be, and me a mama for six years, as of 11:39 this morning. Recently I’ve been aghast to discover that between you and Henry, we really and truly are out of the baby stage at our house, with nary a diaper or a sippy cup to be found anywhere. But then I’ve been realizing how much fun it is becoming, and how much more fun we have ahead. We draw together, read side by side, laugh at jokes (real ones, unlike your brother who thinks potty talk is hilarious) and discuss the natural world and its processes. I marvel at your athletic prowess, get stumped by your intricate questions and figure out, along with you, just how many gummy sharks one person can really eat. You build and create endless displays in Playmobil and Lego, you draw and sketch, you swim, you run, you race, you write, you sing and you show no sign of ever giving up that beloved faded, once-green “thisy” or the thumb that goes with it.
You spent your kindergarten year in a gentle new school, beautifully growing and bridging the space between our beloved nursery school and the wilds of elementary school. But just like you suddenly seemed much too loud and boisterous for your nursery school at the end of last year, you have, seemingly overnight, outgrown the petite size of the Montessori school classroom materials. I think, whether I am ready or not, you are clamoring for the start of your elementary school experience.
So off you will go this fall on a big yellow bus, you with the long lanky legs and deep brown eyes and the eyelashes that just won’t quit. You’ll carry your blue backpack and wave goodbye, ready as always for a new day and a new adventure. But despite being six today, there is no possible way you will ever be anything but my big brown-eyed baby boy.
Love,
Mama
Photos from Montessori School “round the sun” ceremony.
10 Comments
Leave a Comment
Anna Sawin is a Connecticut-based portrait, wedding, and editorial photographer. She lives in the shoreline town of Stonington with her family and has discovered the perfect cupcake. Just ask, she is willing to share her secret.
Beautiful as always Miss Sawin…There is nothing like a lanky brown-eyed boy to melt your heart and soul…Happy Birthday Mama and Mr. W!
Sigh . . . weeping again. HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAM! The thought of what a beautiful (dirty) cake/cupcakes your parents will bake/build has snapped me out of it! We love you here on Long Island!
Beautiful. Just beautiful. My boy turned six last month, so I related on every single level. Thanks for sharing such a personal note and Happy Birthday sweet William!
So beautifully written, as usual Ms. Anna. What a treat William will have years from now looking back through this blog and seeing his life and your love so well documented. Happy Birthday Will (and Happy 6th year milestone Anna and Brian)! Hope you all enjoyed that birthday ice-cream cone today. xoxo
What a great Mom!
Happy (belated) bday to you and Will! Needless to say, but I will, GREAT PICS!!!!
This is too precious – absolutely beautiful – great job mom & happy birthday Will!!! xo
How is he six already?????
Wonderful post, anna…
Still remember hearing your birth story over the phone from the other side of the country. Still remember seeing him tucked into the giant bucket car seat on the lighthouse lawn. Still remember the monthly pictures and thinking I’ve never seen a boy so beautiful.
Happy 6th, Mama Anna! Happy 6th, big boy!
This was so lovely, Anna, and makes me look forward to all the years ahead with my little boy! Happy birthday, Will!