Happy Birthday Dylan!

So my "baby" turned 5 today.  I'm not sure  how I feel about it yet.  On the one hand, he's getting better in Primary, he's excited for kindergarten (I'm going to be a mess when that actually happens) and is pretty helpful around the house and with Preston.  So 5 could be good for us.  On the other hand, he has very little "baby" left in him.  He's pretty much a tall, skinny, curious ball of solid boy energy at this point.  No baby fat, good word pronunciation, can do so many things without help...  It's sad, but good. The only "baby" left in him seems to be the need for snuggles and reassurance. We had a simple day today, but still wanted to celebrate his birth. He's having a little party with his cousins and a couple friends this weekend. This morning we went to the Treehouse Museum.  He chose McDonald's for lunch and then he and Anthony played treasure hunt in the backyard. After Anthony left, we went to my mom's house for pizza, a small cake and a birthday present from grandma (since the party's just for kids). He got a new track to add onto his geotrax train and a dinosaur book.  It was a really fun, easy day.  I spent a lot of time reflecting on our life with Dylan.  I don't know what we would do without him.  He's a handful at times, but lights up our world.  Here are some of my favorite things about my little Dylan.

• His creativity.  Ever since he was little, I haven't had to guide or direct his play.  He has such an imagination.  He can turn anything into playtime.
• His sense of humor.  The kid is funny and he knows it.  He spends his time trying to entertain others and won't stop until he gets a laugh.
• His kind heart.  Even though it's not obvious at first, the kid has tender feelings to spare. When Preston fell off the bench in Flaming Gorge and hit his head on the cement, you'd have thought Dylan was the one hurt.  He screamed and then cried for his brother.  He was so concerned.  
• He's a great friend.  He's protective of those he loves.  Whether family or friend, Dylan is protective of everyone he loves.  He forgets the rules about being kind to others when he thinks  he is defending someone he cares about.  
• His smile is to die for.  The kid first smiled at me when he was about 3 weeks old and I didn't believe he could really be smiling already.  Since then, he's been winning hearts with his charm and captivating smile.
• He's a natural leader.  Kids listen to and follow Dylan.  For some reason, even older kids will listen to my little one.  
• He's brave, social and a performer at heart.  Okay, except for when it comes to speaking into a microphone - for some reason he freezes up when he hears the echo from the microphone.  But he has such courage.  He'll ask older kids to play with him, ask an adult for something he needs, you name it, he'll do it.  It takes him a minute and then he goes for it.  He also loves being the center of attention, which I'm sure comes from his dad.  :)
• He's strong and naturally athletic.  The kid is just coordinated.  He's got little baby muscles and abs that I could only hope to have one day.  If we can get his emotions in check, he'll probably be quite good at sports. 
• His observant nature.  He catches everything.  Even when you don't know he's listening, he'll ask you questions about the subject at hand.  Scary, but I'm glad.  He notices when I wear different earrings, do my hair or wear lipstick.  Nothing gets past him.

Well, there are a million other things I could say, but I won't drag this on too long.  I just wanted to say how grateful I am to be Dylan's mom.  The good, the bad and the crazy!