It is amazing to look back to when I was deciding to have a 4th baby. I remember being so torn, really feeling like we were not complete, yet scared for all the pains of yet another pregnancy and birth. Me and your dad were talking the other day about how much we both had hoped you were going to be a girl so we could have an even 2 and 2, and give Emmi a sister, and how initially I was so sad that you were indeed another male. But your dad said, "I wouldn't trade my Jack for anybody," and that is exactly how I feel as well. I would never trade you, even for another daughter.
What a joy you are to have in our family. You are everybody's favorite playmate and make us all laugh at your cute voice and funny things you like to say. You are so tender and sweet, always the cuddler and demanding to be held and even on-the-mouth kisses after I tuck you in. I love how excited you get about almost everything, and how dramatic you are in your face when you talk. You talk really well for a 3-year-old and like to talk my ear off at times.
You are loving this spring weather and even when chilly, like to go outside with Birdie and have a "potsicle." You still love to watch Netflix while you eat your frozen mac n' cheese dinner for lunch. While me and your Dad were in Las Vegas, you started carrying around old sets of keys that don't go to anything, and still have to have them in your pocket when we leave the house. Your Uncle J has given you the name of "Keymaster" since you like to take and hide the keys, and we had a crisis where we couldn't find our mailbox key for a few days. That is your favorite key because it looks like your John Deer Gator. If anything is missing, but especially keys, we automatically come to you and you usually know right where they are.
You are such a smart boy and can already count and sing your ABCs pretty well for your age. I can see your growth in Preschool and I love to see what fun things you make and bring home, especially the cute hats.
I love you Jack-Jack, and I can't wait to see what you will be talking about or doing next.
Love,
Mom
Every year you get more and more handsome, and I am so excited about the good young man that you are becoming. All of a sudden you are now out of cub scouts, and preparing to be a deacon next February, wow! A couple of weeks ago, for your 11th birthday, you asked only for Xbox games, another sign of getting older. You are easy to please, and I love that about you.
A few days after your birthday, we went to The Brick Oven and to the Lego Movie with the Thomson side, which also made you really happy.
You are getting very independent and responsible when it comes to homework, and I have learned I can trust you when you say that you are finished. You love school, and it makes me smile to watch how you are especially loving science and PE at APA, which you didn't care much for before.
You love to read at night in bed, usually one of the last of the kids to fall asleep, but you are one that I never have to tell to get back to bed. You mind me and your Dad very well in general, only occasionally do you protest. I love it when your chore is dishes, because you do them quick, and without complaint or help from me.
I love how you want the same home lunch every day (peanut butter and jelly/Nutella sandwich and cookies) for lunch, and how little it is that you ask for in comparison to your siblings. I love how you have to give me a hug before leaving for school, but even want a hug as you leave sacrament meeting and go to Sunday school. You are the most upset of all the kids whenever I have to go to dance or a church meeting at night, even though I leave you in your father's care. I can see how much you love me, and I hope that I show you how much I love you just as clear, because I really do.
Love,
Mom
I wanted to record an update about how well you are doing these days.
Since I have taken you in to see Dr. Williams (your psychologist), your improvement with your anxiety has been remarkable. After only 2 sessions with him, you were able to let me drop you off at school, then you were quickly able to carpool again in the mornings, and almost never threw up. Still now, we are working on you eating a full breakfast. You don't eat much, but I can tell you have a good knowledge now of what anxiety is, and how to work through it. Every now and then you will show anxiety in the morning, and I will have to reassure you, or remind you of what Dr. Williams has told you, but not very often. Dr. Williams has given us wonderful lessons on deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and even some ways to use humor to get through it.
We are still going in to see him every week, and will continue that until Dr. Williams says that you are ready, but I can see a big change thus far. I am so grateful for him, and grateful that I took you in. I can't imagine what you would be like in the mornings if I hadn't. Dr. Williams was also surprised at how fast I got you help, and that you had only shown these signs for a week. He had supposed that it had been going on for longer, like the other children he normally sees. He told me that it is wonderful that I was able to get you in so early, saying that the longer children go without help for anxiety, the worse it usually gets. That made me feel good, and I hope that it rings true.
Also, after having a discussion with your group math teacher, I have decided to continue with the ADD meds in hopes that it will help you at school. She and I both think that I am on the right track with the medication. We switched you over to a liquid kind, and you have no problems taking it every morning. I have also got some great feedback already from your math teacher, so I think it is working. We might have to up the dose or switch kinds before we find the best one, but I think it is definitely worth the effort.
I love you Sam. I am so glad to see you doing so much better.
Love,
Mom
