Like a Little Child

Little Brother is 5, and it is a magical age. He can do a lot of things for himself, and he is bound and determined to keep up with any Big Kid around. But his face still lights up with wonder when he sees Santa driving down the street in the fire truck.

I have to remember to savor these moments, even the exasperating ones, and find the charm that he brings to them. Like the way he woke up before 6:00 this morning, got dressed in his very best "elf colors" (red tshirt and green sweatpants, topped off with his favorite blue Pokemon sweatshirt) and came downstairs to get in a little Game Boy time before anyone woke up and confiscated the game.

The other night our whole family attended Big Brother's Boy Scout troop Christmas party. There were some Webelo Scouts visiting for the party, and the Scoutmaster was showing them where to gather for the opening ceremonies. He invited Little Brother and the other little brothers present to join the group too, telling them that they were "Junior Scouts." That Scoutmaster had no idea what he unleashed with that comment. Little Brother has been telling everyone for the past 3 days that he is a Junior Scout. He's been demanding a uniform and full rights to attend all meetings, events and camping trips. If the kid thinks I'm getting him a jackknife he can think again!

During Advent he likes to play with his Playmobil Nativity scene. He told me one day that "These kings were lucky...they got to see the real Baby Jesus."

So in these next few days when Little Brother is extra excited, I hope I can remember that he is only 5, and he is doing just what a 5-year-old boy should be doing--enjoying every minute of a wonderful time of year.