FIVE

I can't even remember what life was like without Peyton.  But yet it also feels like the past five years have flown by.  Peyt has really grown up and matured in the past year. He's had to adjust to a new sibling, which was hard for him to start with, but he's an amazing big brother.  I totally miss him as a baby and toddler, but I'm so excited for these upcoming school years to watch him change and grow.

Yesterday we went in for his check up and he's a very healthy boy! Here are his stat's at 5 years old:

Height: 46 inches, 97% (last year he was 43.5 inches)

Weight: 43.5 lbs, 50-75% (last year he was 37 lbs)

Dr. Hahn predicted that based on his growth, she guesses he will be in between 6'3"-6"5".  Yikes.

She had him write his name, and they also tested his hearing and vision which all turned out normal.

*Peyton is thriving in school.  He loves his school and loves his teacher Mrs. Horne.  We're working hard to keep him in this private school, while also hoping for me to get on day shift, which means paying for day care (another post in itself).  Keeping him there is important for B and I so we're hoping it all works out.  His recent progress report from school read this: "Peyton is such a joy to have in class. I love to hear his stories and imagination.  He has something to add to everything!  Peyton has added to his counting skills.  He has demonstrated that he understands the counting pattern.  He just needs help knowing which group of tens comes next.  He has added more letter sounds and is able to participate in class when we are sounding out words to write.  Socially, Peyton is friendly towards most of his classmates.  He especially enjoys sitting next to Lucia.  When these two are together, there is always joy and giggles." 

I've been working with him at home with sounding out short, one syllable words and he is catching on quick.  He often asks me to write words for him to read or asks me to tell him words to sound out and write.  It's exciting to think that he will be able to read books to me soon!

*Peyton still loves to eat.  He will try new foods and there isn't much he will turn down.  I've totally noticed an increase in my grocery bill, not just from the price hikes, but because he has grown and is eating a lot more!  His most requested meal is pasta, but he loves salad still and fruit is always a favorite.  And of course any sort of dessert or sweets! 

*Activities Peyton is enjoying now are: building legos, playing with his Cars 2 characters, drawing, coloring, crafting, helping me cook, helping me clean, riding his bike, running, or just being outside in general. Favorite movies/shows: Cars 2, Space Jam, Looney Toons, Backyardigans, Ninjago, just to name a few.

*I have to say that as Peyton is getting older, his stubbornness just increases!  He does not like to be told what to do and wants to have a say in everything.  This is totally frustrating at times, and we're working on ways to have him still have choices, but know that he is not in charge. Being consistent with him is key and we are all working on this! But Peyton is such a sweet, caring, and affectionate boy. He has turned out to be completely hilarious and has an awesome sense of humor.  He definitely has bits and pieces of both of B and I's personality.  He is silly like me, but can also be serious like his Daddy.

And I wanted to ask the questions that I did about six months ago and continue to ask every year at his birthday:

My favorite food is: Pasta.

My favorite toy: My talking Francesco car

My favorite sport to play is: Basketball

The best show on TV is: Looney Tunes

The coolest person on Earth is: God

My favorite thing to do in school is: Bouncy balls

If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd go to: Red Robin

My favorite colors are: Red and Green

When I grow up, I'm going to become a: A policeman

My current favorite song is: "Just a Kiss" by Lady Antebellum

The book I'm loving right now is: Curious George

Two words that describe me are: Loud and funny

When I was little, I used to: Play with my baby toys

My favorite season of the year is: Christmas

The best thing about camping is: Swimming

My favorite snack is: Bunny crackers and apples

One food I really dislike is: Onions and radishes because they are hot

My best friend is: Ethan

If I had one wish it would be: For the sun to come out so we can go to the park.

My best memory is: Playing legos with Austin.

We are so proud of our boy and look forward to this next year in KINDERGARTEN! Crazy!

We love you SO much Peyton!