The Doot.

 This guy is 5. It is so exciting and hearbreaking, isn't it? I am so happy to see him grow and develop. So sad to see him move more and more towards independence.  But really, who am I kidding? The boy has always been independent... except when he is needing some extra love and all of the sudden forgets how to put on socks.

 Malakai is a charmer. Everyone who meets him remembers him, and they all say just that. "Oh, Malakai! What a charmer!" He has great dimples and a terrific smile. He exudes energy and a barely contained chaos that is, for some reason, very attractive to women of all ages.  I guess I would think it was more charming if I weren't so often the recipient of the chaos when he loses the tenuous grip on it.

 He is constantly testing. Testing everything we say. Testing every decision we make. Testing every rule and boundary that has been set for him. Tell him to put his hands down in a store? He'll use his head to touch things. It is... well... sometimes trying. Patience is one of the many things that he tests.

 He is a blur of motion almost constantly, careening through life with no thought to consequences.  This can sometimes be alarming from a mother's perspective.

 But oh the snuggles. He is so sweet and loving. He is funny and disarming.

  He loves people and animals alike. He loves to understand how things work.  And that testing thing? If we don't screw him up too much, he'll be an impressive man some day.

 I just don't understand where this boy came from....

How he has gotten so tall and lean.

So strong and athletic.

 So tender hearted and concerned for my well being... when he slows down enough to notice.

How did this little tiny guy...

This scared, sad baby..

Turn into this guy? I am constantly amazed.

And grateful.

I love you, Little Doot.