Six Years.

Six years seems like a long time to work for the same company. I've been at the same hospital where my kids were born for over 7 years which seems like an eternity, but six years seems like a flash when it refers to Mini #1's birthday.
As I was thinking about the past six years today, a few things came to mind that really stick out the most. Six years ago I asked the child birth instructor if I could sign up for the class since I was due in a few weeks. She told me it was offered months ago and laughed as she handed me a book to speed read. A few days later our first Mini arrived. I was a nervous wreck and clueless! I had missed the class after all, but fortunately for us he was the easiest baby!

DEAR RAB,

We were SO VERY LUCKY to be where we were when you were born. I was the only person in my department so my director and administrator were very accommodating.
I took you in a pack n play on some days. The hours were 8:00-2:00, Monday-Friday..REALLY! As you got bigger and the Commander left for Iraq, I would push you through the hospital on the medication cart. You were always a hit with the nurses. You liked to look in the nursery windows to see the babies. You carried me through that time. Since then the hospital has added more beds, a neonatal ICU, extended the pharmacy hours and increased staffing to a department of four. We were so lucky to have that flexibility right when we needed it.
You are a sweet, sensitive, and caring child. It carries over to preschool and sports. We talk to you about hustling after the ball. If you and another child are running towards the ball then you will stop to allow someone else to get it.

Some comments from your teacher this year have stated:

RAB is a sweet child. How can I let him go to kindergarten?
Can RAB stay in my class until he's 10?
RAB says the funniest things.
He asked to call me Mrs Lu (short for Mrs. Luann)
"I only like to eat my mom's chicken soup".
RAB works hard on his projects.

I wish I would have saved more of these. You've only had one "bad" comment in two years and even it wasn't THAT BAD. You come by your desire to talk too much honestly. :)
I think it's funny when you say you need something to "feel you better" when you are sick. You have such enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead of you.
You were excited to start preschool. You were eager to go back again. This year you've stated "I can't stay with you forever Mrs. Lu, it's time for me to go to kindergarten." You can't wait to take your own lunch.
The ONE thing that gets me every.single.time: Not a day goes by without you saying Hugs and kisses before bedtime or as I drop you off somewhere.
Hugs and kisses, Mini!
I love you to the moon and back!
Happy Birthday to my sweet SIX year old!