What a Surprise! Austin is 5...

I have no idea where the time went, but Austin turned 5 years old! Even though my fuse often runs short with him, I am very proud of the little man he is becoming. He's definitely more of my dare devil (most of the time to the point where it scares the heck out of me), but I love seeing that sense of adventure in his eyes. He's also quite a smart kid. Sometimes too smart for his own good. Case in point; one morning I told him to brush his teeth, and he looked at me said "I want to mommy, but my hands won't let me". I just about died laughing that something so comical and brilliant could come out of his mouth. And his imagination amazes me as well! The stories he likes to share and scenerios he comes up with as he plays Legos or Army Men are unbelievable. I can just see those little wheels in his mind turning. His preschool teachers think he's such a little ham and he is learning so much more than he lets on! Most days he comes home, I ask what letter or color they are learning, and he usually doesn't answer me. But then later on, I sometimes overhear him "teaching" Aaron or singing a song to his animals, and that is when I know everything is sinking in. He also has an absolute love for animals, stuffed or real! At night time he loves snuggling up with his favorite bear "Smokey" and frog "Hopper". And whenever animals are present, he is all about hugging and petting them. With how much of a handful he can be at times with me, I love seeing his gentle spirit and tenderness with animals. Don't get me wrong, there are many times throughout the day where he will just come up and snuggle or kiss on me, but most the time he just likes to sit and play on his own. Everyday he is growing more and more into this little independant person. And although there are days when I feel like I am at the end of my rope with him, one little smile from him makes all that frustration go away... such a charmer! Happy Birthday Austin!!!