Michaela

Dear Oliver, tonight as I was tickling your back at bed time and saying goodnight, you started talking about Michaela, the girl you like. You told me you have loved her since first grade and that you two had a good connection in second grade and then this year you were in separate classes. You said she thinks she likes you because she would give you a look like she likes you while she would watch you play kickball but that there was also this other boy named Lorenzo who always tried to make himself look handsome for her. You told me you hope she will be in your class next year and that you connect again. I love how you used the word "connect." It seems like such a mature thing to say. And then you said this, "I like Michaela because she is kind to everyone and she has a soft, kind voice." Wow. You blew me away with that comment (and Dad too, when I told him later). Such a proud parenting moment. We try so hard to teach you guys the importance of kindness and that is the thing that stands out to you the most about this girl. That's pretty awesome. You then told me you wanted to have a playdate with her so you could be alone with her to tell her that you love her. You said you want to go into a room alone with her and lock the door. (So of course that led to why boys should not be alone with girls and that led you to ask me, "Mom, has Dad seen your vagina?" I wasn't expecting that question but I love that you feel comfortable asking us anything and that we have an open relationship. I told you yes he has and that led to even more questions and conversation.) Buddy, you're growing up. I love the person you're becoming.

You just got back from three days of Cub Scout Day Camp and had a blast. Dad went with you and it was so great for you two to have that time together. There was a boy there from your troop, Phineas. He struggled a lot at camp with regulating his emotions. We found out later that he is autistic, which means his brain doesn't work the same way other kids' brains do, and things that come easy to some kids, like managing emotions, do not come easily to him. It has been pretty awesome to see you over the past few days try to be a friend to him but also to come to some self realization. Phineas had to leave camp early the second day because he was having a difficult time with his emotions and he didn't come back the third day. Dad told me you were concerned about him and wanted to know if he was okay. Today you told me, "Phineas has a hard time with his anger like I used to when I was younger." This is such progress for you, Buddy. To realize this is something you used to struggle with but that you are now doing much better with helps build your confidence, I think. Dad is putting together a "Phineas Day" for him since he had to leave camp early. You guys are going to launch rockets, shoot bbs, fly kites, and have lunch. You have an amazing dad. Dad cried as he tried to help Phineas regulate at camp, with his arms around him. Dad would do anything for anyone in need and his heart has really gone out to this boy.

This mom is tired so I'm heading to bed. Love you Bud.