The Big Five!!!

Man, I can't believe he's five!!!  Luke was a little bit of a challenge the first couple years of his life.  He cried pretty much nonstop for 2 years.  It was hard, but I think it really made me appreciate what a happy little kid he is now!  He really is VERY easygoing for the most part.  He doesn't like to do what he doesn't like to do, but as long as you don't ask him, he's a happy camper!  He is very social, likes to have people around him.  I think that's why he needs help with a lot of things still.... he just wants company.  Someone to smile at and talk to while he's carrying out his everyday routine.  I love that about Luke.  Especially his smile.  He has the sweetest little face.  And when he comes at me with his big romantic lips.... well.... let's just say, he's a sweetie :) HA!!!  Luke's lips are gonna be famous someday.  He's very loving, very forgiving, VERY sympathetic.  He recognizes when there is someone in need.  He is probably one of Erika's favorite people so far.... and he LOVES her SO MUCH!  He would do anything for that little girl.  Including having his ears nearly ripped off.  What a brother.  He's got a really fun sense of humor and will do just about anything for a laugh.  He's pretty active, although in the winter, he's a stay inside kind of guy.  He doesn't love the cold and the snow.  He's WAY into the Wii.  He told me the other day that he wants to be a professional Baseball player (in quite a few words), and I told him that he needed to not play the wii so much if he wants to be a pro athlete.  He wasn't so sure about that.  But Luke's good at playing it cool until things get heated.  He mananges to fly under the radar quite a bit!  And he can be the most stubborn person in the family (that's saying A LOT!) when he wants something bad enough.  He is still not a very good eater.  I'm not sure how he can manage to be hungry EVERY SECOND OF THE DAY, but not want to eat more than four (now five!) bites of his meals.  Crazy little kid.  I always tell him I'm just going to stop feeding him because it's not getting me anywhere :)  He doesn't like that though and says, "Are you just kidding?"  This is our all time favorite line!  I think Nate and I will be saying it forever!  He's starting to get used to the idea of starting school in the fall.... not sure he likes the idea yet, but he's getting there.  He said he's going to miss me.  Yes, I love that.  He is more of a stay home with mom kind of guy.  I think it will be an interesting change for him.  But I get so excited for him to learn and grow outside of the home.... he will love the social scene, I'm sure of that!!  And he's SO SMART!  He pulls things out of nowhere that I just had no idea he had picked up.  Like how to spell Erika's name!!!  And write it himself!  I love that he calls himself Lukey.  Lukey's favorite color is orange.  He used to say colorful, which is how he is, but now he just picks the brightest one he can think of :)  Love this kid!!!  I really don't know what my world would be like without him.  He's been such a ray of sunshine.  Especially these last couple years where he and I have been able to get along and understand each other.  He's my sweet little friend now.  I love his hugs and kisses and his cuddles.  He sure adds a special little flavor to our family.  It wouldn't be the same without him!

Looking back....

Right after they pulled him out!  (I spared you the pictures of the gaping hole in my belly even though I think we got the coolest pictures of his c-section!)  Those LIPS!!!

Crazy little 1 year old Luke.... he liked his train cake. 

Turning 2!  What a cute little guy!

3rd birthday

This was only last year and he looks so much younger!!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKEY!!!!!