Dear {5 year old} Rowan

Rowan,

This year as been full of changes and challenges.

You've grown so much and as always, in many ways you are mature beyond your years. You have an incredible grasp on the way the world is. Always asking questions, but you often already know the answers.

Pokemon was an intense passion this year. It is a pretty dang fun collectible and card game and lucky for you, your Daddy is somewhat knowledgeable in this area. It's helped you learn to read and it opened our eyes to how amazingly your 5 year old brain processes math. We're talking addition/subtraction strings in double and triple digits, and basic multiplication/division (2's, 10's, 50's, 100s....geez). And look at you, you little trendsetter, you liked it before it made its HUGE comeback. Now everyone wants to know how to play, which is great for you!

You are an awesome big brother to little Vada, who you originally wanted to name "Cyborg". But when she was born and we told you her name, you loved that too, basically because your love for her is so great and genuine. You like to hold her in your lap and tuck a little blanket around her when she's laying on her mat, and even though you said you'd never change a diaper, you have changed multiple! It makes me happy to see the happiness light up your body when you've done something you're proud of.

You remain a great brother to Cid as well. Although, you are a bit hard on him at times. He's not quite as good at Pokemon as you are yet,( neither are some of the adults at the weekly Hobbytown USA Pokemon battles that Daddy takes you too) and you sometimes have trouble lightening up your game intensity for your little bro. But then, sometimes, you whip out the sweetest gestures towards him to make him feel good too. The other day, you helped him put Neosporin and a bandage on his finger, "because it made you feel like a good big brother".

You lost three (going on four) teeth this year, starting with a bottom one. Love that toothless grin because it reminds us that you're just a little kid after all.

Daddy's helping you realize some of your toy inventions, which are quite elaborate by design. You have so many amazing ideas in that little head of yours! Beyblade stadiums that have moving parts and steam seething from little crevices.

One of the most fun conversations we have going on these days is about what your plans are for growing up; what you will do, who you will marry, where you will live, and how many kids you will have. The future you have planned for yourself lights up my heart! You want to make the love of your life a wedding ring. And get a nice suit to wear for your wedding day. And you'll have 3 kids and live in the house with a stage down the street.

Its not all rainbows working through some of the emotions that come with this age of growing up, but there is a great kindness in you that we hope will continue to resonate through the harder life lessons you face.