Ian is 5!

How in the world is Ian five years old?!? The time has gone SO quickly. We feel blessed that Lord chose us to be Ian’s parents! We continue to be amazed by his quick mind and touched by his sensitive heart.

So, what’s Ian like now that he’s a whole hand old?

First off, he’s very eager to learn. He asks a gazillion questions, especially wanting to know what various words and phrases mean. He also likes to make up his own far-fetched explanations for things, often involving the item in question “exploding” at the end of the explanation. Part of his 5-year-old curiosity involves testing the rules, finding loopholes in them, and wanting to know WHY each rule is in place.

He still likes to build things -- with blocks, straw connectors, or anything – and then have his picture taken by his creation. He also likes to build contraptions (often “machines” from long strings and various things he finds around our house) that have some sort of a job. He loves operating anything electronic, whether the computer, Wii, CD player, tablet, or cell phone.

Ian seems to have a mind for numbers. He loves telling us what time it is on his digital watch and knowing how many minutes/hours/days until certain activities. He asks us to make him “math sheets” with simple addition problems and will ask US math problems, too. (“How much is two 10’ s and 100?”) He loves counting by 2’s and 10’s.

Ian also has shown a recent interest in reading.  He is so proud that he can read VERY simple (level 1) readers that include short phonetic words and sight words. He enjoys writing cards to others and even typing emails, too. He’s very curious about words in his surroundings and will often spell us words while we’re in the car, wondering “What is THAT word?”

He loves to help.  His favorite “chores” include dusting and vacuuming. He’s taken a huge interest in helping care for Uncle Jon & Aunt Chelsea’s dog, Ace, as they are currently living with us. He’ll eagerly feed Ace, give Ace his medicine, put Ace in his kennel, and take Ace on walks (wanting to hold the leash the whole time).  Ian is also willing to help with whatever Momma is making in the kitchen – especially if it is something sweet and Ian can sample it or lick the bowl. J

Ian has a very sensitive heart. When Ryan is upset, Ian will think of toys or activities that Ryan might like or try to distract him. He gets along well with peers and is very friendly and chatty around kids his own age (even those he doesn’t know). He’s shy and quiet around most adults – even ones he does know (like his teachers and Sunday school teachers). While he is usually more of a follower, Ian has his fair share of ideas and opinions while playing with others. He cries easily, especially when he feels like things aren’t fair or according to (his) rules. He wants to make others happy and loves praise.

He’s getting more and more independent. He enjoys playing by himself and doing the majority of his personal hygiene tasks all by himself.

Ian loves games and says that one of his favorite activities that we do as a family is Family Game Night. He’ll often request “Hide and Seek,” as he’s great at finding places to hide in our house. He likes tag-type games like “Are You Sleeping, Mr. Bear?” as well as board games including “Set,” “Cootie,” and “Guess Who?”

Our friends often comment on how tall Ian is. He’s in the 95^th percentile for height and the 80^th for weight. It finally seems like he has “caught up” with his quickly-growing body and is getting more coordinated. He likes to hit baseballs that Daddy throws him (Momma’s aren’t nearly accurate enoughJ), shoot hoops in our toy room basketball hoop, and ride his bike (still with training wheels) and scooter. He enjoyed playing on his first blast ball (like t-ball) and soccer teams and has recently said he wants to try out basketball next. Swimming lessons seemed to really “click” with Ian this year, as he is now able to swim the length of a pool and even take some breaths while swimming.

Some of Ian’s favorites include water of any type (pools, bathtubs, hoses, puddles, or storm drains), cats (especially a cat named “Calvert” that we almost always see on family walks), and art projects (including painting and coloring). He enjoys singing & doing the actions to songs, being read to, and doing word puzzles & the children’s bulletin at church.  Ryan is certainly Ian’s best friend. Ian adores Ryan – even though he often tries to negotiate to obtain whatever toy Ryan is playing with -- and loves it when Ryan imitates him. Ian loves pizza, pickles, any kind of sweets, Cheetos, broccoli, berries, pancakes, and corn on the cob.

We love our creative, clever, serious-minded, friendly little boy and can’t wait to see what God has in store for him in the months and years to come! J

making okra-print flowers

breakfast in bed in his birthday ... he specifically asked for a donut and bacon for breakfast

Ryan wanted to join in, too :)

Ian opening his birthday gifts, including this bike horn from Uncle Andrew, Aunt Sarah, and Abby

Ian requested going to the frozen yogurt bar for his birthday, though his treat was more candy and toppings than yogurt ... ha!

Ryan liked his treat, too

I'm FIVE!

trying out his fun new straw connectors from Aunt Beth and Uncle Andy

Blast Ball award ceremonies

Ian's blast ball team - Ian, Julia, Ty, Natalie, and Austin