Turning 5 is a big deal. Well, every birthday in the Payne home is a big deal. ;) As you know, around here we don't just have a birthday, we celebrate a birthday week. Last year we had a big party for Emet when he turned 4 and invited all of his friends to join him at the trampoline park. It was one of the last big social events that we've been a part of since COVID. So naturally, this year was going to look a little different. I asked Emet what theme he wanted for his birthday. I was not surprised when he told me he wanted to have a Star Wars / Mandalorian themed birthday.

What took the cake this year (pun intended) was the cake we ordered from Plehn's Bakery. We sent them an image of the Mandalorian with the explicit instructions (from Emet) to make the sides red. They did such a great job and the cake was so good, too.

As I reflect on who Emet is and who he is becoming as he turns 5, here are a handful of the things that really stand out to me:

• His deep love for anything and everything Star Wars.

• The way he makes all of the noises and voices whenever he plays Star Wars (lasers, lightsabers, explosions, saying "hello there").

• How he calls turning off a lightsaber "zouping" it up.

• His favorite characters: "Mando" and "Luke."

• How fast he is growing (around an inch every month).

• The way he always wants to sit next to me as he plays and does different activities.

• His love for art and creating things using his imagination.

• His never-ending love for Legos.

• The way he wants to be a "farmer boy" and go collect the eggs from the chickens.

• Watching him have fun bouncing around on the trampoline.

• His love for his brother and the way he cares for him in such meaningful ways.

• His desire to always tell the truth.

• His consistent attachment to the color red. 

This list could go on and on. Emet is such a special person. I love watching him grow and turn into a really incredible human. 

Happy 5th Birthday, Emet!

| Credits: Author - Jacintha Payne; Photography - Jacintha & Calvin Payne |