Duncan's family tartan bow tie
Totally recommend this game. Finlay is actually learning his letters, but it still requires enough strategy to keep Jimmy and me entertained.
Duncan's specially handcrafted birthday shirt
DUNCAN MICHAEL.
Mr. Dunks, our Duncan pie, our Big D, our FIRSTBORN. You love being the first and I've even heard you, on several occasions, tell someone, "I was my mom's first child." I know you think this a good thing, but I often pray that being our guinea pig doesn't leave any permanent emotional scars. You were born, old -if that makes any sense. You looked at us as if you were figuring us out and well, I think you have. We now know your little brain was probably working on overdrive, even then. You've been amazing us with your gift of learning for some time now and now, here you are, 5 years old reading gigantic words and doing math. Come on kid...slow down. The other day you shocked me by answering my "trick" question. Yes 4 minus 5 is negative 1. Your brain is awesome but you're so much more than smart. Your sensitive and affectionate. I remember when you were not quite two and sitting in the hall playing with stuffed animals. You were petting one, as if you were comforting it, saying, "It's ok. It's ok. I'm here." And then you started crying. I'm guessing you were crying for that little animal that "really" was sad. You get that over-empathetic gene from me. Sometimes it's almost debilitating...sorry. You love to cuddle and I'm sorry I don't snuggle more. You love to play with hair....still. The women in your life love this! You have a genuine in interest in soooo much. I think you may be Grandpa Riley's favorite person to talk to. You are one eager learner. You can be so kind. I especially notice this with people outside your family (don't worry...this is normal). Your interests haven't changed much over your tiny lifespan. You still love animals, fortunately a subject on which there is enough information to keep you occupied for at least another year. You love reading, especially graphic novels, although I don't like it because they have words like, stupid, dumb and idiot. You love to use those "bad" words but in a silly way. It drives me nuts. You also love looking at maps and have already surpassed your poor mum in geography knowledge. You are freakishly flexible and like to fit yourself into tiny spaces. You love to play board games and are so excited when we play you are practically bouncing off the walls in between turns. You CANNOT sit still. In fact, whenever you're trying to tell me something, you pace back and forth, twirling your hair or fidgeting with something. You're still super sensitive to shows. You run out of the room whenever there's anything, scary, awkward or uncomfortable. We've gotten into the habit of reassuring you that it all turns out good in the end. The other day, I heard you telling Finlay, "Don't worry, Fin. They're going to win." That made me smile. I love it when you treat your brother kindly and am seeing a lot more that lately. He wants to be your friend so badly and I hope that you let him be. Yesterday Dad saw you playing with one of the gifts I bought you for your birthday (a interactive TAG board all about space), and noted that I really do know you well. I had to admit to this. I think I know YOU better than I know anyone else in this world. And I LOVE knowing you. You are an amazing kid!
