As with every birthday, it’s hard to believe that another year has passed.  Especially with our children that are growing at such lightning speed.  Yesterday, my youngest son Atticus celebrated his sixth birthday.  I want to remember him exactly as he is right now because it’s pretty amazing and, more importantly, because I know it’s going to change.  It already is.  Every time he steps on to that school bus I feel a little bit of this boy slipping away.  It’s hard to sum up the spirit, enthusiasm, and general awesomeness of this little blonde fireball but I will try.

He wears muscle costume shirts. Even to the beach.

He embellishes belts with hanging spy accessories.

He is a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. He is a spy.  He is Batman, or Spiderman or anything else that suits his fancy.

He wants me to sign him up for boy scouts because he likes their uniforms.

He finds all black clothes when he wants to be Batman and he specifically chose solid black shoes for this endeavor.

He is an endless fountain of creativity.

He is a Lego fanatic. He spends hours building, creating and inevitably spreading Legos around from every corner of our house.

He is mischievous. And sensitive. And a magnet for people, especially kids that are shy. He is a master negotiator. He can charm anyone, from the grumpy waitress to the older boy at the park.

Almost every picture that I have of him he is in costume.

He loves snakes (I myself am not a fan) and makes me watch documentaries about anacondas with him.

He colors his cats neon pink and his snakes blue.  I couldn’t be prouder.

We are so lucky to have him in our family. He inspires us all and keeps us laughing. I know he will continue to grow, as we do, and the costumes will be forgotten. He will slowly lose his inhibitions and become more self-conscious. But, no matter what, he will always be my superhero.

Happy Birthday to our six year old superhero.  May you always follow your creative spirit and never let anyone stand in your way.

XOXO~Mom