Dear First Grade Kyler

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We ordered Kyler a backpack recently, because he loves Eli's so much. He enjoys carrying his own bag. He was SO excited to get it. He put it on, went to the door and said "go to the car". He was ready to go. This picture made me think of him being in school one day. 

So many of my friends have children who are starting school this year. I know I have some years ahead of me before Kyler is old enough, but it still makes me sad thinking about it. I want him to stay my baby!! Like any normal mom...but some days I seriously get this overwhelming ache of "Plleeeaaasseeee don't ever ever, ever change and always ask for me to 'hold you'" because I don't want these days to end. Honestly though, each stage of his life I have thoroughly enjoyed....and I know I'll continue to do so! To be all sentimental and such, I thought I'd write to Kyler and hopefully read it to him (if he even cares hahaha) when he is old enough to start school. Maybe when that day comes, I'll write another letter to him before he graduates from high school. 

Dear First Grade Kyler, 

Being two is grand, isn't it!? You are a funny kid. You copy things we say and don't quite get it right. When I read this to you when you start school, I hope you get a kick out of yourself. You have a smile that literally lights up the room and everyone in it. Except maybe for the old lady who you almost knocked over when we were in line for something today. Don't worry, typical two year old. And you even said "sorry". And I believe you were. You're a stinker, and a crazy hyper little boy who has a lot of fun. But you are sensitive to others. Do you know what sensitive means? It means that you watch others and hurt when they hurt. Laugh when they laugh. You're sad for them when they are sad. And you try to make things better. This is part of what makes you a good big brother to Eli. You make sure he doesn't fall down the stairs and hurt himself, and you take away things that you know he's not supposed to play with (I think that already drives him crazy ;) ), and you calm him down when he is crying. You catch on quick to what daddy and I say is a "no,no" to Eli and you try to help us out with it. You're a very good listener. It may not seem like you are listening...because you are easily distracted, but I know you hear more than we think you hear sometimes. You pay attention to little things. These little facts about you make me think that you are going to be such a good and fast learner in school. I am going to have a hard time keeping up with you! I have a feeling it will be fun to teach you. I want to make it fun for you. You need to know that it won't always be easy. But you will be glad that you worked hard in school, because you'll be able to do things that you couldn't do before and know things that you had never even heard about before. I think teaching you things like how to read, write, and do math are very important. But the most important thing that I pray you will learn, is that God loves you and wants you to follow and obey Him in life. 

I love you stinky face! 

Mommy