He's FIVE Today!

Who's FIVE today?


This guy!

I might be most exited about fifth birthdays.
It seems to be the ones that kids get most excited about first.
They count down the days on the calendar, they plan and plan and plan what kind of cake they will have what they want for dinner.
They believe that something magical will happen when they turn five.
It sort of does. They are now old enough to go to school. And, usually, ZooMama is incredibly excited that another child has hit a milestone and is that much closer to being a 'big kid'.
But this time...there are only two more kiddos behind this one. Only two more fifth birthdays. This is my fifth baby to turn five.
Gah! No more on that sad little note!
 Here, let me tell you a little bit about this fantastic five year old.
His name is Andrew. I have given all of my children names that are easily shortened into nicknames. It's been a thing for me. It's important to me that a child be able to identify themselves with names that 'fit'. The nickname that is for home, the name that the people closest to them use. The name that is for the bank, the name is that is for interviews and documents.
Somehow, Andrew was never nicknamed. We tried out 'Drew'. That didn't stick. We tried out 'Andy'. That didn't work, either. Somehow, we look at that sweet boy, and unanimously, or family decided that he IS an 'Andrew'.  He's also 'Pumpkin' and 'Bubba'.
Andrew is already studious. You know those preschoolers that want desperately to be able to read, write, and add before school begins? Yep, he's one of those.
He also knows what to wear. No kidding. He has been picking out his own clothes for two years. The child dresses himself well. He still becomes attached to a strange article of clothing from time to time, like most kids, but he always matches!
This kid is gentle. He loves babies and animals and making friends. He always has a hug for mom.
He also stands up for people, sometimes fiercely! He is quick to defend someone if he believes there's an injustice.
Andrew takes care of his toys, hoards junk mail, loves to have boxes and containers of any kind for keeping anything in and I never have to tell him to put on socks with his sneakers.
I love that kid!
Now, to go prepare that special request birthday meal. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches. I know, rough one, right?