Dear Joel,

Six years ago, my life changed. It changed in ways I could have never imagined. I remember that day like it was only weeks ago. It was the day my arms first held you, my eyes first gazed upon you, my lips first met your fuzzy newborn head.

You are 6 now. You have a lot more hair now:) That morning 6 years ago, you took on new challenges – life outside the womb. This day your challenges are very different. You are striving to become more independent. You are becoming a boy who deals with life and its challenges in older ways. You share your feelings and your share your heart with words. You show us daily that you are sensitive and strong. Daddy and I are learningabout your tender and empathetic heart. You are intuitive, passionate and are a natural negotiator.

You prefer predictability. You want to know what the plan is for the day, the next day and the day after. You appreciate follow-through and remember promises – or even the mention of a possibility. You are very helpful with your sisters and watch out for their safety. Sometimes you and Livi get \”into it\”, but you are a protector and caretaker first.

Like your Dad, you have a comedic gift. You have a dynamic personality and an incredible sense of humor. You have a knack for comical timing and are gifted at doing impressions (especially Napolean Dynamite and Harry Carry – as performed by Will Ferrell of SNL – as performed by Dad). You are particularly skilled in the way of the Jedi. You can wield a light saber like a Master (as well as a baseball bat), and your sound effects are truly impressive. You are creative, outgoing, and confident. As bold and as excited you are about the things you love, you show your disappointment with equal force:) We never wonder how you are feeling. NO ONE ever wonders how you are feeling!

Your favorite activities at 6 years old are mastering the light saber, running naked through the sprinklers, playing with any kid I can possibly round up, watering the garden, protecting mommy and your sisters, and just about anything that involves running – especially running with a light saber, but… I think the biggest desire of your heart is to use the Force in light saber battle with your Dad… or wrestle with him… or battle him with the couch pillows…

I loved you before I ever held you, and my love for you grows more every day. When I pray for you I ask for protection of your mind, your spirit, your body. I pray for confidence and compassion, tenderness and strength, and love and faith in God. I see all of these things in you, and I pray the fruit of these traits grow and bless each person you meet… they are already a blessing to me and Daddy.

I love you THIS MUCH (can you see my arms stretching reaching the moon???).

Mommy