Toby is 6!

My little man is 6 years old today! Actually, yesterday since it's past midnight. This January 21st, I vividly remember seeing Toby's surprising blond hair and meeting him for the first time the afternoon he was born. He has grown and changed so much since, but he is still the sweet, loving little boy that greeted our family six years ago.I don't know where this body language came from, but he is totally practicing the "old man watching sports on the couch" pose. He makes me laugh. He likes making people laugh. There's definite class clown potential in this one.



6 descriptive words;
Energetic
Thoughtful
Sensitive
Silly
Helpful
Inquisitive

6 things Toby loves to do;
Wrestle with Dad
Play superheroes with Milo & Dad
EAT! "Mom, I'm hungry!" is a phrase I hear all day, every day.
Build robots with Jessie and play Transformers with Mr. Cooper
Play Pat-a-cake with Sydney and listen to her laugh (Mom likes that too)
Read books about bats, dinosaurs, Transformers, superheroes & animals







6 things you might not know about Toby;
He was born with a patch of light blond hair on the back of his head that is still there
He hasn't lost any teeth yet, but we are anxiously awaiting some loose ones
He is learning to read well, but he would still rather go outside to play or make stuff
He is an excellent garbage-taker-outer, dish-putter-awayer, and gopher for Mom & Dad
When he grows up he wants to be a police officer (Mom's not too sure about that one :[ )
He has dubbed himself a "new food-tryer" and, so far, has lived up to it

6 things I love about Toby;
He is the first to say "thank you" or "I love you"
He is almost always happy and cheers me up when needed
He has a positive attitude, gives great hugs and his turbo smooches are the best
He tries hard to help others and makes friends easily
He always asks thoughtful questions about church and life that remind me of what I am thankful for
He makes me laugh with his silly jokes and things he says

ex. while we were in Utah several weeks ago he discovered the joys of wearing "turbonecks" (turtleneck) to stay warm. He keeps saying turbonecks because he knows I think it's funny

Toby also learned from his cousin Jackson that "leopard-cauns" have gold that you can keep if you catch one.

Toby loves to make noise and show off his whistling, singing, noise-making skills. He is a great little singer, and I look forward to music lessons in the near future to channel that energy!

Toby really wants to take a karate/martial arts class of some sort. Any suggestions from all you locals that lurk here would be great!!

Toby requested Applebee's for dinner on his birthday. We got there late in the evening so everyone was famished. The kids were all really good with the wait and during the meal. It makes going out so much more pleasurable when the kids are well behaved, especially since we already have attention from other diners when we stroll in with 4 young kids in tow. Poor Mr. Cooper is still not feeling 100% from his stomach bug, but he soldiered on for Toby.


Quick sidenote: as we were eating I couldn't help but hear the conversation going on right behind us because the lady talked so stinking loud. She was complaining to the other people at her table about some relation who had 4 young kids and still wanted to have more. "How dare she want more kids when she can barely take care of the ones she has," I heard this lady say. The table talked about how both Mom and Dad had to work 2 and 3 jobs just to pay for everything, and that Grandparents spent more time with the kids than Mom and Dad. I couldn't help but think how sad that situation is- an unfortunate reality for many living in this SF Bay Area where housing and living expenses are so outrageous. I was also SO thankful that Dave has a great job and that I am able to be home while Dave also has a lot of time at home with us. Sure, we have made some sacrifices as far as living in a small space (for now), but it is worth it to be home during this precious time when the kids are growing and changing so fast.

We hurried home for cake and presents and put kids to bed as soon as we were done. Toby loved his surprise gift from Dad & Mom. Dave scored an Optimus Prime Transformer on clearance, and as you can see it was the hit of the night. Toby slept with Optimus next to him in bed. He also got a skateboard that he can't wait to try once it stops raining.

We love you Toby! Mom and Dad are so proud of the little man you are becoming. Keep saying your prayers at night and being diligent in your school work. Even though you are not the oldest, your brother and sisters look to you to set the cheerful tone in the house, so keep smiling and sharing your cheer with others!!