On the occasion of your fifth birthday (how can that possibly be?), allow me to share 5 “Jack Facts:”

Fact #1 – you’re smart, very smart

Read some of the blogs I’ve written over the past year, when you were four and three.  I’ve tried to capture how your (not so little) brain works.  You’re on top of your game,  aware of your surroundings, sharp as a tack.  You know what’s going on and have a naturally curious mind.  You’re not stuck (or hiding) in your world like most little kids, you’re in the game, in the moment.

Fact #2 –  you’re a real chatterbox

this may be a by-product of your smarts, who knows, but you’re a great conversationalist, always asking questions, probing, inquiring, thinking.  With you, it’s a natural flow; you don’t struggle for words, they are on the tip of  your tongue and that little tongue never stops moving.

Fact #3 –  happy, handsome (okay maybe this is two things, not one)

Let’s start with happy.  You’re not  a grouchy kid or a crabby kid or a high maintenance kid.  You go with the flow and are almost always in a good mood.  About the only time you’re not is when  you’re tired at the end of the day.  You love to be around others and have a killer smile.

Speaking of smiles, that smile goes on a handsome face.  Sometimes I look at  you and I think “he could be a model”  or “he will drive the ladies crazy when he’s older.”  You’re that handsome – a natural, rugged type.

Fact #4 –  you love the outdoors and are tough (okay another extra)

There’s nothing you enjoy more than being outside.  Whether it’s going to one of your siblings’ games or helping your Dad around the house, it’s the place you want to be more than anywhere else.  Cold and blustery?  Who cares, get me out there.  Rainy? That’s why there are raincoats. Snowing?  Give me those mittens and boots.  A couple weeks ago when you came to visit, you helped me put away the outdoor furniture and take down the Halloween ghosts, chatting the whole time and enjoying every minute.

As far as being “tough,” you’re one of those rare little kids who never complain. Sometimes you get beat up in your outdoor adventures (falling, scraping a knee, etc.) but you brush it off and move on.  You hardly ever cry.  I’ve seen you take a bruising and you’re typical reaction is to quietly shrug it off and move on.  You have a high tolerance for pain, it’s amazing.

Fact #5 –  you love your Grammy – a lot

When I think of you one of the first things that comes to mind is how much you love your Grammy.   When you see her, you run to her with a big grin and always give her a big hug.  It’s so adorable.  Of course your Mom is # 1 but Grammy is a close #2.

Happy birthday Master Jack!  While I wrote about five (actually seven) “Jack Facts” I could write 10 other blogs with five more apiece.  Your’e a special young man and I love you a lot.