Dear Bently,

Yesterday was Valentines day! You've have been more into Valentines day this year because you had a preschool party. Before that, Valentines day wasn't really a big deal for you! But since you had a party I decided we should do some major Valentines day celebrating. Well it wasn't that big but we had fun! :) We made Valentines for everyone we could think of and took Valentines day pictures and had a "fancy" Valentines day dinner! I also made a special Valentines Day dessert that you loved! It was so fun to see you so excited! You kept asking if it was Valentines Day yet! I love you so much handsome! Spending holiday with you is magical and they just keep getting better as you get older!

Speaking of getting older, can you believe you'll be 5 in less than 2 months! Holy Bananas Batman! What the heck!? How did that happen. I know I say this every single year but 5 is old! 5 is kindergarten. 5 is 3 years away from being baptized for heavens sake! I know time is just going to keep getting faster and faster so I'm trying to enjoy every single minute with my adorable 5 year old! Who always tells me he loves me! You tell me all day long and I love it! And you still call me Mommy! I secretly pray you'll never stop!

I love you handsome!

Love,
Mom

Dear Bently,

Today we were walking around the Valentines day section in Walmart. You and Olivia were off looking at stuffed animals a little further down the aisle. I was surprised when you came running up to me, holding a single fake rose. With the biggest smile on your face you told me, "This is a rose. It's for you because I love you!" Talk about melting my Mommy heart! I totally got all misty eyed in the middle of Walmart. You see lately, I've been really struggling with feeling loved by your sister and you. You both are huge Daddy fans which is fine, most days. But lately I just feel unloved. It's hard to constantly hear, No I want Daddy. All day long. Especially since lately you've pulled out the big guns and have started to say, "I don't love you mom, I love Dad!" Whenever you're the least bit mad at me. I know your four and you don't mean it, but I can't help but let it hurt my feelings. So this little moment in Walmart meant more to me than you'll ever know!

Though I appreciated the gesture, I didn't necessarily want to take the rose home. So later I tried to ditch it, but you caught me and told me, "I want you to have it because I love you!" I couldn't say no to your cute face so we bought the rose! And now whenever I look at it, I remember how much my adorable 4 year old loves me! I love you more than you'll ever know!

Love,
Mom

Dear Bently,

The other day you fell asleep in our bed so you wouldn't wake up Lincoln. When it was time for me to go to bed I pulled back the blankets to move you. Seeing you there in your jammies I couldn't believe how big you are. Where did my baby go? How are your arms and legs so long! There is so much of you to carry to bed now. I love you sweet boy! I loved baby you and I love big boy you. Watching you grow is an honor! I am so glad I get to be here to witness it!

Tonight you were calling for me. And to be honest this is a nightly occurrence so I wasn't all too quick to answer your call which I assumed would mean you needed a drink. When I walked into the room your eyes were full of tears and you told me "I'm scared and I want you!" I realized in that moment our time is short. Pretty soon you will be a big boy who isn't afraid of monsters in his closet. Who doesn't call for me when he is scared. With that in mind I got in bed and cuddled and talked with you. I gave you a million kisses and soaked in the moment all that I could!

I love you handsome!

Love,
Mom