Big Boy

Six years ago today, Shark Boy was born. I remember lying in my hospital bed watching Mr. P cradling our tiny boy in his strong arms and smiling the biggest smile I'd ever seen on my husband's face. And little Shark was scowling the fierest, most hilarious scowl ever seen on a person who is 2 minutes old. Baby Shark wasn't crying, but he was clearly peering out with much disapproval of his new surroundings.

That it was 6 years ago is very hard to believe.

We had a swim party with a shark theme. What else?

The invitation:

The cake:The kid:

My handsome boy. Those blue eyes with their thick fringe of long black lashes will make the girls feel faint one day. You are so smart, so tall and strong, confident and cool.

At six years old, you still sleep with Bonaire, your stuffed sea turtle. You still want to snuggle with me when you're sleepy and you hold my hand willingly when we walk along together.

Yet, despite these glimmers of a smaller boy, six is an age that is fixed determinedly in the direction of those higher numbers. What I see most in you is what you are becoming.

And I am so proud of you.