Happy 5 to my Super Hero

Dear Johnny,

You sure surprised us last night.

As we gave you one last hug as a 4-year-old, you began to cry. “I don’t want to turn 5,” you whispered, with a pouty lip. “I just love being 4. I want to stay 4 forever.”

You were worried I wouldn’t be able to hold you anymore or that you’d be way too big today to sit on Daddy’s shoulders. You wondered whether we’d still love you.

I admit it. I didn’t want you to turn 5. If I could stop time I would, buddy.

I don’t want to give up those morning snuggles, and I never want to stop holding your hand. If I could carry you for the rest of my life, I definitely would. I want to play Legos and Super Heroes and Dark Train. I want to tuck you in every night right next to Elmo and your dream light.

It stinks growing up. I know it.

There’s so much I will miss about you being little, but you need to know I will always love you. And, I love you a little more each day.

Remember when you asked me to marry you? Well, technically, you were Batman that day, and I was Batgirl. That was one of the sweetest moments. Sorry that we can’t get married, bud, but you’ll always have my heart. Happy Birthday to my little Super Hero.