Dear Tyler -- 6 years old

Dear Tyler,

Another birthday in the books. You are the epitome of 6 -- joyful, inquisitive, full of energy, hilarious and incredibly loving. All that and a giant toothless grin to top it off.

You describe yourself as a mathematician who loves his momma...and a vegetarian who doesn't eat vegetables. See, you're hilarious. You are toying with being either an engineer, a professional football player or a paranormal expert when you grow up. Decisions decisions. You love rap music and you have dance moves like no other. Your heroes are Tom Brady, Matty B. and your father.

You didn't want a birthday party. It's not your style. You don't like commotion, crowds or chaos. You are just like your daddy. All you've ever asked for is a little attention, a big piece of cake and your family by your side. You are a smart boy.

Daddy is on a trip right now and it just about broke his heart to miss your birthday. But you took it in stride and forgave him instantly. It wouldn't be like you to hold a grudge. You know you are loved and that's all you need.

Since we gave you a new bike around Avery's birthday, we only had little things for you today. This morning you opened your pokemon cards and a Tom Brady shirt and hat. It was as if I had given you a million dollars. Sheer joy, excitement and appreciation. It doesn't take much to make you happy. After school I took you and Avery to the movies to see "Goosebumps". You loved every single second of it and couldn't have been any cuter in your 3D glasses.

My favorite part of today was visiting you at kindergarten. The normal birthday protocol is for the mom to bring her child's favorite book to read to the class. Since the only book you would even consider was your brand new chapter book that you excitedly purchased at the School Book Fair this week, "I Survived the Joplin Tornado 2011", I decided maybe we would change things up a bit and go with plan B. I'm not sure how many other kindergartners share your passion for gruesome non-fiction.

So we decided to bring a few of your favorite magic tricks instead. I have to admit I was a little nervous. Last week, Avery's friend Emmette caught on to the secret of one of your tricks, and in her excitement, she threw you under the bus. To say you were devastated would be an understatement. You threw a full-blown lie-on-the-floor-and-kick-your-legs tantrum and told me through huge, sad crocodile tears that nobody will think you are amazing anymore.

Well let me tell you, sweetheart, they all thought you were amazing today. It was one of your best shining moments. You made cards appear and hankies disappear. You guessed numbers correctly and made balls pass through solid cups. You even pulled your thumb off of your hand. Every single child in your class was in complete awe of you. You were the star. And you glowed from the inside out. I have never been so proud.

And even if the kids hadn't thought you were amazing (and someday maybe they won't), let me assure you that at least one person always will. Everything you do and everything you are amazes me -- your incredible math brain, your curiosity about everything around you, your fierce determination and drive to master new skills, your unbelievable strength, your compassion for others, your impeccable manners in public, your constant warmth and affection and your unwavering loyalty to your sister. You are truly an amazing little boy who I know will grow up to do amazing things. There is no question.

I love you a million jillion gazillion patrillion bavillion...and even more than that.

Love,
Mom