Here he is playing in the front yard by himself--checking out the new neighborhood--even if I was watching from the window and peeking my head out the door to listen. When I took this picture he was saying, "Dogs, dogs, dogs, dogs..."
Tomorrow Elias turns six.
And it hit me the other day that he will just keep getting bigger. Taller. Older.
Someday he'll be 10. A teenager. An adult like me.
And I find this concept mind-blowing.
Elias will never again be five. Olive wont be a baby for long.
And oh how I wish I could keep versions of their younger selves, tucked away somewhere, even as I love to watch them grow.
Look at that big, brave boy! How wonderful! Happy Birthday, Elias!!
Posted by: Shelley | 02/01/2010 at 02:01 PM
beautiful pics! it's so nice to see the new back yard, and elias out exploring it. He looks like he's growing into the big brother role in the shot you posted below. Tell Elias happy birthday from me and his GROSS friend Lebo (who will be 6 on thursday!)
love,
Ginna
Posted by: Ginna | 02/01/2010 at 03:54 PM
Wishing Elias a very happy birthday. Six was a hard one for me back in December. Somehow it just seems like a bigger milestone.
Enjoy the moments and enjoy celebrating your first born. :-)
Posted by: Niksmom | 02/01/2010 at 04:41 PM
Happy, Happy Birthday to Elias -it takes two hands to make 6!!! every time my husband sees a pic of Elias he can't believe how much he and our Arthur look alike. A couple of handsome guys ;)
Posted by: Heather | 02/01/2010 at 05:06 PM
Being a reader for so many years now, watching him grow and continue to amaze me, I too cannot believe he is 6 tomorrow!!! Happy Birthday to you and to your very sweet, special guy Elias.
Posted by: Stacy | 02/01/2010 at 06:17 PM
You've captured the universal mother thoughts: proud of their growth, wistful for their younger selves. Many days, I just want to stop my son right where he is and enjoy this stage a little longer. My father said that at each stage, he was certain that we couldn't get any better, until we did. :)
Happy Birthday, Elias!
Posted by: Erin | 02/01/2010 at 06:54 PM
Wow - six??? My oldest turned 9 two weeks ago, and my little guy is the one we want to stop at 4 because he is just so adorable right now....if only.
Posted by: Ginny | 02/02/2010 at 03:26 AM
Wishing Elias a very happy birthday. My only is 3 and seems so old for three, I think I convince my self everyone year she will slow down this year... yea right.
Posted by: Virginia_L_M@hotmail.com | 02/02/2010 at 04:50 AM
Happy 6th Birthday Elias! Congrats to mom and dad for getting him there! Here's to many more happy milestones!
Posted by: Jaki | 02/02/2010 at 05:56 AM
Happy Birthday Elias!!! Wow! 6! He has to use TWO HANDS to show somebody how old he is (unless he learns the sign for 6, which is a cool one)!!!!! That is ALMOST as cool as hitting the double digits!
Posted by: Jessica | 02/02/2010 at 06:12 AM
Happy Birthday Elias from one of your first nurses in the NICU!
Posted by: nurse tara | 02/02/2010 at 06:35 AM
Happy Birthday Elias! I hope you have a great birthday and love being six!
Posted by: Wendy | 02/02/2010 at 07:37 AM
Happy birthday Elias!! Beautiful pictures and a beautiful post!
Posted by: Beth | 02/02/2010 at 08:43 AM
Happy Birthday Elias!!!
Posted by: Terri | 02/02/2010 at 08:52 AM
Happy birthday Elias! Six, wow,keep on kicking butt!
Love,
D
Posted by: Deidre | 02/02/2010 at 09:08 AM
Happy Birthday Elias!!! Your birthday reminded me of the A.A. Milne poem about turning 6 and about how you Mom feels about you and your sister growing up.(I hope I have remembered it correctly- but you get the idea!)
"When I was One
...I had just begun
When I was Two
...I was nearly new
When I was Three
...I was hardly me
When I was Four
...I was not much more
When I was Five
...I was just alive
But now I am Six
...So I think I will be six
for ever and ever." The End
Happy, Happy 6th Birthday Dear Elias!! Love from Charlie and Wendy and the pups- Seamus & Katie
Posted by: Wendy | 02/02/2010 at 02:10 PM