Matthew's Fifth Year Letter

January 18, 2006

Dear Matthew,

          Today, you turn five. I can't believe how the time is just passing by and how you are getting more intelligent. This year we went to Grandma and Grandpa's instead of them coming here. We celebrated Christmas a bit late. We exchanged gifts and you were again the "king of the world" as far as loot. Grandma got you some more clothes and toys and books. Both she and Grandpa got you two savings bonds, one for Christmas and one for your birthday. I think you will be one of the richest kids around when it comes time to cash those in.

          When your real birthday arrived, you were able to celebrate with your classmates. Since we gave your teacher a camera to capture any and all important days during your first year of school. We took you to Zehnder's for your birthday dinner, had a cake and you opened your gifts which included more Hot Wheels cars, more Leap Pad+Writing system books, some clothes, and shoes.

          This was your first Valentine's Day with your friends. You received Valentine cards from everyone in class. You also wrote out cards for them in return.

          In April, it was my birthday, Easter, and spring was really starting to begin. We again went to Zehender's. Then we had cake and I opened a couple gifts from you, Daddy, and Shadow. From you and Shadow, I received a summer nightshirt. From Daddy, I received some candy and a jogging outfit.

          You are starting to like sports. You like hockey, baseball, and basketball. You and Daddy went to a few Saginaw Spirit hockey games, a Detroit Tiger game, and even a Detroit Pistons game. Back in January, you also went to the Shrine Circus with your class. You also helped Daddy deliver phone books during the summer. He was trying to get extra money to pay bills.

          For Daddy and Shadow's birthdays, you helped me get Daddy some work shoes and pants. For Shadow, we got her another toy and some more treats.

          If the summer was not full enough, you, Daddy, and Shadow went on an overnight camping trip. You and Daddy made several trips to the Bay City State Park for daily outings. On the overnight, you took Shadow with you. I could not go because I could not get down on the ground and back up again.

          Before you started back to school, we went to the lake for a visit and stayed overnight. You went for boat rides, had your first experience with fishing. Your patience needs to be brought to the forefront. You have to realize that fishing is a sport where you just sit and wait. You did not want to do this.

          Finally September came and another year of school began. Earlier, Miss Kelly told us that you were doing very well and would be able to advance to the Readiness program in the fall. Originally, she was going to promote you in March, but thought better of that later. I was not sure if that was going to traumatize you. When it was time for "graduation", you looked so cute. You had a black cap and gown and proudly accepted your certificate for perfect attendance.

          In Miss Dawn's class, you had to be totally potty trained. We tried to get you to be that way before it was time to start class again. You were going to be going to school for only two days a week, but you would be going all day{8:00-2:35}. She claimed that there was a lack of funding for a five day week. You had sixteen children in your class as opposed to eight in Miss Kelly's. I was hoping that you were able to make new friends and become comfortable in a new enviroment. I was proven to be a worry wart. You got along with everyone just fine.

          Halloween this year was a little different. You could not wear your doggie costume, so we got you a new one. You went as a firefighter. You looked so cute in your costume. The candy supply was somewhat deminished. Daddy took you to the mall again, but the supply was not plentiful.

          Thanksgiving was spent quietly at home. You were getting used to being with your friends all day, so when you had several days off, you felt lost. You are still very particular about not eating vegetables and other foods that are good for you. It is not like Daddy or I have not introduced them to you and tried to coax you into eating. I tried to get you to eat some stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. You would have none of it.

          Christmas, like Thanksgiving, was spent quietly at home. Your Aunt Diana Clement had called earlier in the week and gave me your Aunt Nancy Zimmerman's phone number. I thought that since Aunt Nancy was your dad's sister, he would be the one to call her. Instead I was the one who called. This year, again, you had most of the gifts.

         Both Miss Kelly and Miss Dawn gave us next to new clothes for you. Thankfully, they ended up being enough to last for the rest of the winter and maybe even next winter. You have coats and pants, and tops.

          This past year has been jammd with life. I may have missed highlighting some things, but I hope not. I have never been so busy. Kindergarten, here you come!

I love you,
Mommy