Tyler is 5!! Yay! He has been waiting for this day to come for a long long time. He had learned about calendars this month in preschool and had to print one out of March and put stickers on each day as it passes, counting down the days to March 29th. I took him out on a just mommy and me photoshoot to capture him as a 5 year old. He really enjoyed this one on one time with me doing something he knows I leave the house to do all the time without him. So to get to go and be all about him was special. He was extra cooperative and enjoyed every second, as did I. This last year was very challenging for he and I with lots of arguments and just flat out NOT getting along with me. Everything seemed to be a fight for us where I was not making him happy, and he was not willing to obey. It has been very rewarding for both of us these last couple of months as he and I have improved our communication, and I have improved my praise how we are becoming much better buddies and far less arguments. I love him with all my heart. He is a very loving and tender little boy, that really does want to please others, and is hurt very deeply and sensitive when he is scolded. I have learned I need to take a much gentler approach with this little guy, and lots and lots of encouragment and praise goes a long way with him. Because Chase and he share a room, we put him to bed each night in our bed, then move him to his bed once he falls asleep. This prevents the brother bugging that goes on when they are going to sleep in there together. Each night that I have carried his sleepy little body from my room to his, I hold him tightly in my arms and realize how little he still is. I expect such BIG KID behavior from such a little guy... and forget he's only been 4. Now that he is 5 I hope to give him a little more room to be a little boy and to enjoy all that comes with being only 5.
