Kaeden is 5!

Kaeden is 5 years old.  Looking back on last year's blog post, I cannot believe how much he has grown up this past year.  He looks and acts so much more like a big kid.

Kaeden's psyche continues to be a mystery and a challenge.  He has matured so much and is generally SUCH a pleasant child to be around, but sometimes his irrational reactions to circumstances completely surprise me.  I know we have many more years to come of unpacking what makes him tick and tock :)  

Like I said, though, he is a true joy to be around... especially on the rare chances that we have one-on-one time.  He continues to be full of life and exudes joy.  He is generally a very appreciative and affectionate child.  

Kaeden's favorite activities center around building.  He is a serious Lego builder.  And while he can enjoy putting a set together now and then, he's usually much more interested in coming up with his own creations... which tend to be pretty impressive (and often symmetrical!)  He also enjoys playing games and doing puzzles... he went through a serious Sorry board game phase this summer when all he wanted to do was play Sorry.  And he really loves reading too, although he's not yet ready to start learning how to do it himself.  His favorites at the moment are the Geronimo Stilton Kingdom of Fantasy books.  

Kaeden is going to preschool four mornings a week this year, and he adapted really quickly and easily to his new class, even though we still have to visit last year's teachers multiple times a week after school.  He has a few friends from last year's class as well as some from his 2's class, and he seems to be thriving there.  I am so thankful.  

Kaeden has a soul that is extraordinarily drawn to God.  And when you combine it with his love and appreciation for music, it's a special thing.  He loves to listen to Selah, especially the African songs. His favorite song right now is "I need thee ev'ry hour"   I will try to get a recording of him singing it and post it on here, because it's pretty amazing :)

Kaeden loves to superlatize himself.  He has the softest skin in our family.  He's the fastest.  Etc.  Hence the Halloween costume... "Dash" from "The Incredibles" - his super power is running very fast.  And one of the first things that Kaeden tested when he woke up on his birthday was whether or not he could run faster now that he's five :)

That doesn't always work out quite as planned, though.  Kaeden got his first stitches this year.  In January, he was running up the steps on the playground at the park and fell and cracked his chin open.  It was not a pleasant experience overall, but to this day he still talks about the 6 hershey kisses and juice box that the nurse gave him once all 6 stitches were in!

Kaeden and Ryan continue to have an incredible relationship.  Kaeden is able to play more and more on Ryan's level, and they generally get along SO well.  They are really lucky to have each other.  I'll often find them in each other's rooms playing together after they wake up in the mornings.  And this fall, they've been known to beg to go outside as soon as they're done eating breakfast to work on their various "tree houses" in the woods.  

On the flip side, Kaeden and Ethan have really struggled lately.  Kaeden knows just how to push Ethan's buttons, and when it comes to Kaeden, Ethan's buttons are incredibly easy to push.  There have been days when they literally could not be in the same room without fighting all day long.  It's exhausting and incomprehensible for a mama.  That being said, there are other days (more rare) when they get along just fine and can be the sweetest of friends... though it's typically when they're pretending to be dogs instead of humans.  I guess doggie siblings are nicer to each other.

Their first day of preschool.  It's been a bonding experience to be at the same school, at least.

Atticus and Kaeden continue to be the best of friends.  Once again, they are so lucky to have each other (even if "battling" in the play room does send Atticus for his first round of stitches).  I know they're really going to miss each other when they start kindergarten next year and don't get to see each other as often.  But let's not even think about that right now! 

Kaeden, you are a bright light to our family.  We love your smile, your hugs, and your appreciation for the simple things in life.  Keep on shining, little mister.