Originality.

There is nobody....NOBODY quite like you...

...and we've entered a new phase in parenting. 

We've turned some imaginary corner. Something's changed. 

External influences?

Internal or external motivator changes?

Simple reactions to our familial changes? 

Developmental changes that are just par for the course?

We don't know...

....and so far, we don't know if we're doing this whole 'parenting' thing right. 

You seem to be a big fan of testing boundaries...

and you attempt negotiation in all situations. 

Then you're like a rubber band: you see how far you can stretch, 

and then you snap back to the super-cuddly-need-to-snuggle sensitive boy that you've always been.

Buddy, we're trying. 

Right here, right now, that's all I can say.

I think right now, we've all got growing pains.

If you end up in therapy some day, I'm sure it will be all my fault. 

The mom always gets blamed. 

{Do you think I don't think about that every.single.day!?}

...but we must be doing something right: you still ask to get tucked in every night. 

...you still want me to set you up for your bath. 

...you still kiss me in public. 

...you dance with your sister and tell her that you love her. 

...you want to throw the ball with your Daddy. 

...you still ask me to pray with you. 

....we will get through these growing pains.

{what other choice have we?}