Six Happy Clammers: William Turns Five

We all knew this day was coming. Too fast for me, too slow for him. William is no longer a baby, FOR SURE. He is shy but confident, sweet but wants what he wants, funny but doesn't like to be laughed at, sensitive, kind, and loving. He loves all animals, and even tells other kids not to hurt "God's creatures." We were at horse riding lessons the other day and my mom was with us. His little friend that he plays with there came up and said, "Look, I found a lizard!" Immediately entranced, William said, "Let's go find a place to put him where he will be happy!" His little friend said, "No, I want to go squish him." William very clearly said, "No, I don't want you to do that, he is just a lizard and we aren't supposed to hurt him. We have to take care of him. I don't want to hurt God's creatures." My mom, who was listening nearby, just beamed! So William carefully took the lizard and put him around the side of the stables near some shady plants. I was very proud of him, he wasn't going to let that lizard get squished on his watch! William and Izzy have a definite bond, as she calls him "Wally" and he calls her "Dizzy". No one else is allowed to call him Wally, just her. They call each other their best buddy, which I love. Of course, don't think that they don't annoy each other or make each other mad, that's a several times a day thing. But overall, they are the siblings they should be.
One of William's best qualities is that he is thoughtful. He brings me things on a daily basis, usually important to him (bugs, sticks, flowers, etc) and gives them to me for a present. He has a big fascination with Roly Polys right now, and just this afternoon I got a couple of cute ones on his outstretched little palm. He also plans to put his and Izzy's Legos in a special spot each night so they won't get broken. They have a particular couple of small cars and bikes they like to play with. William also loves to help me cook, "Do you want some help in here?" he likes to say. How could you not? He is a big fan of Star Wars right now, thanks to Shawn. They have their own movie night, after which he tells me all about Obi Wan Kenobe and other strange things. He has even seen Darth Maul, who "has horns and is a berry bad man." Well, not that I approve of it all, but he does love to do what Daddy does.
William has always been pretty adaptable, but he really showed how flexible he could be when we switched to Chiefland schools this year. He had never met the kids, never met the teacher, and desperately wanted to go back to the same PreK he had done a few weeks with at the end of the previous school year. He was adamant, and I was terrified that I was making the wrong decision. It has turned out marvelously well, and he is growing in his confidence (even answers questions in class now by raising his hand!) and knowledge (we're on Letter W but they aren't in order, they can't be because we did V last week, and J the week before! V does not come after J!) My favorite things from this year are his beautiful recounts of Bible stories. A particular favorite is Noah and the ark, which is done in great detail (2 snakes, 2 zebras, 2 elephants, 2 of every single animal!) and ends with a wonderful (and did you know when the great flood was over, a BEAUUUtiful rainbow appeared? Did you know that, Momma?)
Speaking wise, William does very well. He still has a few substitutions, but not many. He speaks quite clearly, but what he does say that is wrong, we do not correct. None of us want him to stop saying the sweet little things he says. "That is disgustin'", "berry" for very, "fings" for things, etc. In fact, these days, his talk is the usual PreK potty mouth. Poo and Pee are suddenly the top two words in his vocabulary, accompanied by some serious giggles, covering his mouth in laughter, or just all out belly laughs. The other night at dinner, he had us all going! Even Shawn! It was so hard to stop laughing, but I finally called it quits. Enough of the potty talk, the next person who says poo or pee is leaving the table! Of course, he says immediately, "You said it Momma, you have to leave!" and that set everyone off again. :)
He plays in the sand pile from making our swimming pool all day. He can't get enough. He is compulsive with his dump trucks. He is filthy. He hates taking a shower. He hates washing his hair. It's a vicious cycle.
Food wise, William eats a limited diet. His favorite stuff: pasta, more pasta, parmesan cheese, spaghetti, salad, pizza, chicken fingers, french fries, yogurt, pasta, cheese and crackers, apples, bananas, and pasta. Notice a pattern here? He is Shawn's child in the food department. Though he is occasionally very good about trying stuff (on my plate, of course). He does not eat much meat. Every single day his lunch box contains a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, no crust. Every day. No, seriously, every single day. William, do you want ham today? No. Bologna? No. Turkey? No. Noodles? No. (HUH? Go figure.) Just PB&J, sometimes two.

All right, I could go on all day. So here's what you really want. The pictures.

Oh for heaven's sake, why does this have to be first?! Well, let's get it over with. Yes, that is Willie with a double-barrel shotgun. Yes, he got it for his birthday. He has had his eye on that piece of junk for about six months. Every single time we went to Dollar General he'd ask for it. I hate it. He loves it. I prayed that once he had it, he'd drop the fascination. So far, so good. End of story.