Gunnar's Birthday

Gunnar turned 6 on August 9th. It's quite amazing how fast time moves, really. It just seems like not that long ago when he was exploring everything with his hands and mouth. It wasn't that long ago that he was a fuzzy-haired toddler learning and growing. He's about the age where he should start remembering his life when he's old. I think some people remember their years before 5 or 6, but seemingly many people don't. I want him to remember the fun times. I want him to remember what we are trying to teach him. I want him to grow up to be a confident, self-motivated, successful individual. I want him to be respectful and polite. I want him to be happy and healthy. Not that the last 6 years haven't meant anything, but I am starting to feel the pressure of raising a child and having expectations met by him and his life. Ok, so I really just wanted to post a picture or two from his birthday, not go rambling on about my fears!

We had his party at the Quincy pool, at his request. It sounded all cute, at first. He said that he wanted to return to Quincy to have his party with his family . . . so he could get more presents. Yeah, cute - the first part anyway. So, we agreed to have his party at the pool like we have for the last 5 years. It's kind of a tradition that will be hard to break actually. Gunnar was able to go down the slide all by himself this year. He used what he learned in swimming lessons to help him out, but he's tall enough now to land without someone having to catch him. Despite the weather being April-like rather than August-like, Gunnar swam his little heart out. We waited for my mom, Grandma Pam, to show up to open presents and have cake. I am not sure what I was thinking because I did NOT get a picture of Gunnar with his Grandma. She make a long trek to come by to see him and I am so glad that she did.

Here's a couple of pictures from the pool:

Gunnar loves: swimming, transformers, Ben 10, watching TV, playing computer games, jumping on the trampoline, having everyone's attention, being loud, playing in mud, wearing only underwear, snuggling with mama, chocolate milk, stawberry-banana smoothies, eating fruit, telling people he doesn't eat junk food, his dog, his brother, his family.

Gunnar does not like: cleaning when asked to (likes to help when not asked), being too hot in the sun, being too cold in the air conditioned car, getting hair cuts, candy (sugary cereals are a-ok though), being interrupted while watching TV, being alone, having to try more than once to get something right.

Gunnar is good at: writing, spelling (for a kinder graduate!), drawing, imagination, building with his hands, working with grandpa, being a big brother, anything requiring athletic ability.

Gunnar struggles with: having patience, not giving up quickly, using indoor voice indoors, not whining (still, does that end at some magic age - not 6 apparently), being too dramatic, not being the center of attention, not knowing when enough is enough.

Gunnar's quirks: stroking his eyelashes when he's tired - if someone else's eyelashes are available, he'll use them too - he has to play with his eyelashes to fall asleep; striping down to underwear AS SOON AS we get home from being out regardless of season/weather, plans for the rest of the day, etc. - the kid just doesn't like clothes;

My chubby baby boy is quickly growing up and I hope that I can guide him to find his strengths and focus on what is important in life.