September 29th, 2014

Dear Damen Robert,

"Pokemon is my life!!"

So... I guess tv is going away for a while. So as a condolence, I drew you this:

I love you forever baby boy,

Mommy

September 28th, 2014

Dear Damen Robert,

You are full of it this morning.

"You're so beautiful mom.

You're the most beautiful person I've ever seen.

I'd do anything for a girl like you mom."

You and those dimples, swoon.

I love you forever baby boy,

Mommy

September 23rd, 2014

Dear Damen Robert,

Today was kindergarten picture day. You've been in school for about a month so far. 

At drop off this morning you hopped out of the car, as usual. I told you I love you, and the teacher shut the door.

This time my heart ached. My brain was saying, "no stop!" I wanted to tell you to have a good day, and let you know I love you another time. It's so hard to let you grow up.

But then just like that, it was time to bring you home. After fifty "moms" in five minutes, I was wondering if they'd consider taking you back for another hour or so. 

Just kidding. Kinda. 

I love you forever baby boy,

Mommy

September 20th, 2014

Dear Damen Robert,

"Mom, I am board"

When you asked me to help you spell "bored" I didn't realize the context, sorry.

Also, if you didn't wake up two hours before school started you wouldn't be bored.

Also, you are such an awesome little creature.

I went to visit you at lunch yesterday. A cafeteria full of kids is crazy. You were sitting there nice and calm and quiet, the eye of the storm. I think I'll come with you again today. 

I love you forever baby boy, 

Mommy

September 15th, 2014

Dear Damen Robert.

"I expect you to clean Rylee's finger, and I expect you to put a bandaid on it."

These are my instructions, per you, for me while you're at school. 

I love how protective and thoughtful you are towards sissy.

I love you forever baby boy,

Mommy

September 11th, 2014

Dear Damen Robert,

Yesterday you totally schooled me. I asked for my water bottle and you brought me your warm one instead. I said, "hey this isn't mine!" And you, with a sheepish/ devilish look on your face replied, "is that how we act when we want things?" Oh my lord. 

We went to the play place at the mall the other day. Rylee was meeting a friend. You played with this little girl the whole time. When it was time to go you two hugged. She reached up and kisses your cheek. As we were walking out you said, "I've never been kissed by a girl before!" And it begins... 

I love you forever baby boy,

Mommy

September 6th, 2014

Dear Damen Robert,

You are so incredibly handsome and smart. Today out of nowhere, you decided to spend the entire morning sounding out and writing words. You're growing up so quickly. When I look into those oceans of eyes I can see you metamorphosing. You are the same person, but constantly and consistently shedding who you were the day before. Each morning you wake with a fresh skin of new knowledge and curiosity, new dreams. You amaze me.

You held the door open for a stranger at the mall. She called you a gentleman. You stood there, glowing.

We played "I spy". I guessed what you picked on the first try, so you quickly looked around the room for something else that could have been brown. "No, Mom. It was the table!"

We talked about safety. You know, the basic stuff first. How do we cross the road? Who do we call if we need help in an emergency? What are Mommy and Daddy's phone numbers? Then casually and intermittently I'd sneak in the big ones, like not helping strangers if they ask for help. We don't take things from strangers unless Mom and Dad say it's okay. Our genitals are only for you, or sometimes Mom, Dad, and the doctor to make sure you are healthy. These talks aren't easy to have with a five year old. There's no easy transition into teaching you that the world is not as safe and friendly as it should be. Teaching a five year old boy that thinks everyone in the world is his best friend, that there are people out there that search out people to hurt, is heart breaking.

Being a parent is hard.

I love you forever baby boy,

Mommy

September 2nd, 2014

Dear Damen Robert,

"I can't sleep, Rylee's farts are keeping me awake."

I'll just leave this here.

I love you forever baby boy,

Mommy