my little baby...

doesn't he look tough?

proud.

no words.

there are no words

to describe how proud of himself

my little monkey was.

he has wanted to earn his first stripe

since the very first

tear-filled class session we attended

seven weeks ago.

we practiced our kicks and punches,

rehearsed the creed and the fives.

learned when to listen quietly

and how to yell loudly.

monkey is learning

how to get back up

after feeling defeated.

and lastly,

he is learning

pride.

ready. spar.

little monkey surprised

his mommy

who thought for sure

that he would not enjoy

sparring.

but,

even after getting frustrated

especially after trying to keep up

with this tall boy,

my little monkey

can't wait to

spar

again.

tnt

so we signed monkey up for martial arts lessons

and although it took a bit for him to warm up to the idea,

i think he is s-l-o-w-l-y, but surely enjoying it.

sometimes.

i hope.

oregon winters

rain, rain
go away...

just another typical day here in the pacific northwest.

thursday morning...
"is there snow, mommy?"

yep. there is.

yay!

party time

headed over to pump it up

to celebrate the little monkey's birthday

chocolate cake
check.

super mario brothers
check.

silly kids
check.

all in all
a great party.

my monkey

hard to believe
seems like only yesterday

in the blink of an eye

when i wasn't looking

it snuck up on me

and
all of a sudden

you are five.