My Future in Five Years? – Let’s Hope So

Walking among creatures that rose no higher than my thigh, I stepped in awe that we could have one of these infinitely energized mammals of our own.  I attended my (wife's) nephew's 5th birthday party.  We’re due in two months and I can only hope to add an entry to this blog about the planned chaos of our own five-year-old’s birthday party.

This was my first five-year-old birthday party since mine 29 years ago.  I don’t remember my party, but pictures show ice cream cake and what I must assume was an unending screamfest of laughter, fun, and tears when Geneva Convention sharing rules weren’t followed.  

At today’s gathering there were plenty of balls to shoot at the brand new basketball hoop, many bikes and scooters to ride around the backyard, enough pizza for the TMNTs, and the great energy absorber – a piñata.  From my untrained eye, this party was a smashing success where few tears were shed and general chaos was expected and encouraged properly. 

The controlled chaos of a five-year-old’s birthday party

Having read baby books about all of the motor skill milestones a child is supposed to reach in its first year, it was incredible to see how far us humans come in five years.  These kids were able to run; ride bicycles and scooters; catch, grab, and throw basketballs with (some) calibrated strength; and stuff their faces with pizza, cake, and juice.  On top of that, they mastered language to express themselves.  I can’t confirm, but I’m sure the majority knew when to go to the toilet too.

Five years feels like a long time from today.  It should feel like a long time because it’s five years away, but I’ve been told that raising a child makes time fly.  I can only hope that I’ll write that come June 2019.