Jack is 6.

Every year on their birthdays, Jeff and I write each child a letter in their scrapbooks. This is Jack's. To learn more about why we do this, click here. 

Dear Jack,
It's hard to believe you are 6.  6 seems old.  In many ways you are a big 6 year old boy.  And yet I am glad that in many other ways you are still my little guy.

You are flourishing in SK.  We are told you are reading at at least a grade two level.  But we knew this.  We feel very blessed to have two excellent readers in you and Makenna.  You love books and bring home all kinds from the school library.  Not your typical storybooks, more like "The history of Hockey" or "All you ever needed to know about Star Wars"...books bigger than your backpack.  I always get a kick out of the look on Daddy's face when he realizes what the two of you will be reading at bedtime.

The big news with you over this past year is that you have found your passion.  It all started when you spent the night at Gran's last Spring.  A lifelong baseball fan, she had the Jays game on TV like she always does.  You took notice, started asking questions and, well...none of us could have predicted what would come next.  Not only did you decide you loved The Blue Jays, you also needed to know everything about them.  You spent hours on the computer analyzing their schedule, checking, re checking and RE checking their player and team stats, practicing your swing infront of the TV and talking ball with whoever would listen.  When The World Series finally ended in June I wasn't sure what you were going to do with your time and energy but quickly realized it wasn't just baseball you were into.  Once you found out Toronto also had a major league hockey team, you simply switched gears and focused all of your attention on The Leafs.  You cheer for them because Gran told you you should always support the home team, no matter what.  Again with the analyzing, the stats and the commentating...oh the commentating.  You are never without a mini stick in your hand and our kitchen floor is already showing the signs of your dedication to the game.  Your mouth can barely keep up to your mind as you are frequently shouting out play by plays as you run back and forth between your imaginary nets.  "Great save by Bernier!"  "Phil Kessel on an open net!".  This past Christmas you got into an in depth conversation with your Uncle Mike about The Leafs and Penguins and at one point he stopped and asked "What, do you work for TSN or what???"  At 5 years old, it blows our mind how much information you retain and can repeat.  Last night when the Leafs won against Vancouver you were thrilled, especially since "Vancouver killed them in November".  How did you even know that? We asked.  Did you read it?  Did you hear them say it on TV?  No, you just remembered.
You're learning about football too.  We had to watch the Superbowl this year.  You are the only one interested in football in this house, but thanks to you, the rest of us have learned more about all sports in the past year, than we ever have before.  We have watched soccer on TV, and Tennis, and Basketball...the list goes on and on.  And now that The Sochi Olympics are on....well, you are just in heaven.
Your closet is starting to fill with sports logo clothing, you bought an air hockey table with Christmas money and for your birthday this year we are redoing yourbed room with a sports theme.  Looks like we have a jock on our hands.

I always swore I would never be a hockey mom and as with  most other things when it comes to you, you have proven me wrong.  I don't even mind though, because I am so so proud of you.  You could barely stand on skates this past August and one season in Developmental Hockey has turned you into a better skater than many adults.  You are so determined and focused at your hockey practices and although you don't love powerskating, it's a joy to watch you because you clearly love the game.  Something else I thought I'd never see was your Daddy  out on the ice as an assistant coach.  He is out there helping at every single practice and I enjoy watching that as well.  It's a great experience for the two of you to share together and something he has never experienced before either.  I still hate cold arenas though, and can't wait for ball season to start.

Your food preferences are still quite varied, as your two favourite dinners are lobster and Kraft Dinner.  On our trip to Cuba a few weeks ago you also discovered a love for both hard boiled eggs, and prawns.  Unfortunately we have also learned over this past year that you have terrible teeth.  You have lost 3 normally and had 3 pulled, with at least 2 more that need to come out.  You inherit this from the Wormington men, and it is truly heartbreaking to see a guy so little go through so much in the dentist's chair.  Thankfully you take most of it in stride, cheered by the promise of the Tooth Fairy.

Your two closest friends are still Hunter and William, and what a trio the three of you make.  You were lucky enough to be able to spend time with Hunter in Cuba, as he and his family  were there as well.  You and William get to hang out at the after school program together most days, and of course, all three of you play hockey together.  We spent New Years Day at a Sarnia Sting OHL game which you guys got to participate in, adn it was great to see you having so much fun together.  After being in both JK and SK together, I'm not sure what will happen if the three of you are separated in grade 1.

You love and look up to your sister, who for the most part is pretty patient with you, just recently starting to play mini sticks with you, as long as you'll still play Littlest Pet Shops and Barbies with her.  She's trying to teach you to play piano now, and doing a pretty good job of it.

You are still the centre of attention and love to be the life of the party. Your cousin Quinn is still your favourite and just seeing you sends your cousin Beckett into fits of giggles. You love to win and HATE to lose.  You had an especially difficult time with this at soccer last summer.  You drive us crazy, but you also melt our hearts.  Your mind never stops thinking, never stops questioning, never stops racing.  Your mouth works hard to keep up.

You still can't pronounce your "R"s or put on your own socks.  This summer you will master riding a bike and are talking about going to sleepover camp.  You are 6 years old now and I cannot believe it.  I will savour those bedtime snuggles and hand holding moments because I think there are less of them ahead of me than there are behind me.  There is something special about the bond between a Mama and her son and I am so blessed to share it with you.

Happy Birthday to you, my Six year old boy.  I hope you have the BEST day.

Love you,
Mommy
xo.