To Our Sweet Four-Year-Old Thatcher

Thatcher Rippy Davis...such a big name for a little boy! I've been asked many times how we came up with your name. Well, I was trying to think of a strong name from literature, and my brainstorming led me to Catcher in the Rye. I know the main character is Holden but I got Thatcher from Catcher. Next you needed a middle name. Daddy and I thought of all our grandpas and Daddy's grandpa, Rippy Lee Rambo, stood out. Thatcher Rippy Davis. I pictured you at different times in your life and made sure the name fit you as a baby, as a little boy, as a teenager, as a man with a family of his own, and later when life slows down and you can reflect on your mark on this world. And of course since you're our second boy, I just had to nickname you Bubba.

And now Thatcher Rippy "Bubba" Davis, you are four-years-old! Every day you amaze us with new things you are learning (like your current reciting of the presidents!) and new little quirks in your personality. You still say and do so many things like Tucker but you're starting to grow into your own self. You've begun to show empathy and compassion for those around you. Except for Tucker. You always know how to get his goat! I hope these traits blossom and grow and lead you to a life of integrity, honesty, and sincerity.

You still say "sit by me" and you still want to hold my hand, and I hope you always want to do both! You're still a daddy's boy, but I've come to terms with that, and I'll take the snuggles when I can get them!

I love your wide feet and your very first freckle (on the side of your ring finger on your right hand). You have really great hair (Papa Bill even says so!) and the cutest face with the sweetest smile.

You've grown up so much this past year, but you'll always be our sweet baby boy.

We love you so so much,
Momma and Daddy

My Five-Year-Old

My sweet, Tucker Joe-

I can't believe you turned 5 today. That seems like such a milestone. You're no longer a toddler; you're a kid now. But you know what? I can still see my sweet baby when I look at you. Every once in a while, I can see what you'll look like when you're much older. But more often, I can see you as a baby. You have the same eyes and nose and forehead. And of course your toes - don't even get me started on those! You know which is my favorite toe, don't you? It's the second one from the right on your right foot - the little piggie that had none. I love how it curves in just a little to the left. I noticed that toe on the day you were born and I hoped it would always stay that way. 

You're so smart, Tucker. Your teacher tells me that all the time, but she doesn't have to. I know you are. You constantly amaze me with the things you say. And I love how much you love books and reading. Dad and I read to you before you were ever born and we've read to you just about every night since. 

And you know what? You told your first real joke tonight! You're always saying "I need to tell you a joke" then you make up some crazy joke that Dad and I don't quite get but tonight, you did it! Here's the joke:

You: Knock knock.

Me: Who's there?

You: Boo

Me: Boo who?

You: You don't have to cry, it's just a joke!

I love it! I love that your first real joke was a knock-knock joke (my favorite kind of joke). I have so many more to teach you!

Well Buddy, I hope 5 is all you hoped it would be and more. Ever since you turned 4, all you could talk about was how you couldn't wait to turn 5. I hope you have amazing adventures while you discover the world around you this year. Let's just not be too quick to wish to be 6. 

Thank you for making me a momma and for making me so proud to be yours. 

Love,

Mom