Today, Nathanael turns 5.  I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how easy he was as a baby and toddler.  From the time he was a newborn, while he didn’t sleep for great stretches at night, he was easily consoled.  I remember him waking up 2 or 3 times a night (sometimes more), but after nursing for 10 minutes or so, he would be right back to sleep.  No hours of trying to get him back to sleep, no fussing for no apparent reason.   When he got a little older, he would entertain himself with rolling matchbox cars across the floor, sometimes for an hour or longer.  He was often content to just sit on a lap and snuggle (hence the nickname of Snuggle-bug, which has since been shortened to just Bug).

And he is still a very affectionate and pensive little boy…he sits close and expects an arm around him, he takes his time giving answers and making choices.  He still is often content entertaining himself, although he does also really like someone else nearby.

As he gets older, though, more aspects of his personality come through, too.  He loves being outside.  He empties our compost bucket in the morning, and routinely investigates every garden thoroughly before heading inside.  He’s not afraid of getting dirty, or catching bugs, or getting a few scrapes here and there.

He is excited about school and learning.  He doesn’t have as much of the scientific bent that his older brother and sister have, but he does have a great memory for detail and a way of learning that, while different from his siblings, seems to work for him.

He loves colors, and has from the time he was little.  When he sees something really colorful, he often remarks with something along the lines of “wow, that’s so beautiful”…it’s very sweet.

He is also generous.  For a five year old, he tends to be very good at considering others’ feelings, and willing to sacrifice what he most prefers to make someone else happy.  Sure, he has his moments of not seeing beyond himself, but I am often impressed by how thoughtful he is.

I am so thankful for this sensitive, loving, helpful little boy.  He is such a gift to our family and I feel especially protective of his soft heart, that is at the same time a wonderfully strong and yet vulnerable, needing-to-be-handled-gently part of his character.  I so look forward to watching him discover the love of the One who gave him such a valuable gift, and then share that love with others out of the compassion and servant’s heart he has been given.

Happy 5th Birthday, Bug!  You are precious and so loved.