Dear Asher: 5 Years

Dear Asher,

Happy birthday to our funny, silly, smart, loving five year old! 

You handled all of this year's changes and uncertainty with grace. The biggest change for you this year was school. With the pandemic still in full-swing, we decided to create a small pod for you, Elnatan, and Adam. We hired the most amazing teacher, Morah Sharon, who taught you math, English, Hebrew, holidays, and more. You baked challah every week, you crafted, you went for hikes, you learned to like dogs...and so much more! We are so lucky that you got to spend your last year in pre-school with a fantastic group.

It's so hard to believe you'll be heading to Kindergarten this fall. You're ready though! You can now write your own name and have even started recognizing some sight words like mom, dad, Zahara, son, sun, cat, and more. Sometimes to get my attention, you'll even call out "M.O.M." It's very fun to see you starting to figure out reading.

Your math skills are growing too. You love asking what numbers add up to and solving equations like 2+2 or 4+4 on your own. This year you've also gotten more excited about science. You got a science kit for Chanukah and you conducted countless experiments with it. You'll make an "experiment" out of almost anything--dirt, worms, food.

And while you're getting so much bigger and more independent in a lot of ways, you're still our little boy. You love being around us, which I know won't last for ever. And as much as we love being with you, sometimes, Asher, you just need to go to the bathroom by yourself without me or daddy reading you a book!

What can I say about you and your sister? The truth is that you guys drive each other crazy. But, you also really love and care about each other. When you're not fighting, you actually play so well together. Daddy and I love seeing that side of your relationship, and we hope that continues to grow.

Asher, you are a true joy to be around. You are constantly telling us you love us, making up songs about how wonderful we are, and smothering us with kisses. You camp counselors tell us there is no staffer who doesn't love you. It's so delightful and I hope that never changes.

Happy fifth birthday Asher! We can't wait to see what this next year brings!

See Asher's other birthday wishes here.