Happy Birthday!

My sweet little boy is no longer a "little" boy anymore.  Today he turns 6 and I just can't think of him as little, and not just because it practically kills me to carry him up the stairs now.  He's changed so much this last year.  I can't wait to see how much he'll grow this year and I don't just mean physically.  Hubby couldn't be here for his birthday and I didn't hear any whining or complaints.  He understood that his dad had to leave on the ship and would be here with him if he could (that makes 3 out of 6 birthdays Hubby's missed).  He can be quite the little charmer when he wants to be.  Several times this year he's made me ridiculously flattering compliments out of the blue.  He bribes with love, "I'll give you infinity hugs and kisses if you'll...."  He's learning about respect, courtesy, discipline, and patience.  Nine times out of ten he'll hold the door open for me as well as for strangers.  When we were at the mall the other day he insisted on being the last person out of the crowded elevator because he was the only boy on it.  He helps me immensely with his baby sister and really comes through and helps with Boo when I need it.  If I'm sick and Hubby is gone, he doesn't complain or question me when I ask for help.  Instead he makes lunches for everyone, keeps his sister quiet, brings me water, and asks me if I need anything.  He definitely has his moments when he's tired and frustrated and he's on the brink of a major meltdown.  But those times occur a lot less than before.  I'm so proud of him and who he's becoming.  Happy, happy birthday to my little man!