My Tribute to Xander

Xander just turned 5 years old last week! He is such a big kid now! It's crazy to think of how much time flies.... it seems like yesterday that I went to the hospital to be induced. I was 38 weeks pregnant, very uncomfortable, and ready to have my first born son! The doctor told me that if I went to 40 weeks, he’d be roughly 10+ pounds, and to reduce the risk of having a C-Section, we should deliver early… little did I know how HORRIBLE of an experience it would be inducing labor before my body was ready! I checked into the hospital on July 4^th at 7pm, but didn’t have him until July 6^th. It was 38 VERY LONG hours of NO FUN! But, it was all so very worth it! The first time I saw my boy, I fell in love! I was one step closer to understanding GOD’s agape, unconditional love! More than anything in this world, I loved this child! Alexander Michael Boni was born at 9:39 am weighing 9lbs, 6oz and was 20 inches long! He had the most beautiful brown hair & blue eyes!

Xander has always been the sweetest, most loving kid. When staying with a sitter, they always commented on how good of a boy he was! He was always polite. He'd give kisses and hugs to ANYONE asking for it! He started walking right after his 1st birthday... it seemed like he'd be 6 years old before he'd start walking.... we waited FOREVER! His first birthday was HUGE! Of course... he was our first kid; we didn't know any better! Little did I realize that first birthdays aren't all that big a deal... he won't remember it, right? But we had a full dinner THAT I COOKED (crazy, right?) and had LOTS of people in my mom's little living room! It was fun, but I learned quickly, and the other kids did NOT have a big "to do" for their first birthdays! This is Xander at 1 year old!

(Prepare yourself as you read... I am going through his whole life, so this will be long!!)

When he was 2 1/2 years old, we added Asher to our family. Xander was thrilled! He absolutely adored his little brother! He wanted to hold him, and cuddle him, and kiss him...all the time! Even now, amid the sibling rivalry and bickering, they are the best of friends. He looks out for Asher! Everything Xander does, Asher wants to do.... he's such a good example (most of the time..lol)!


THEN... when Xander was 3 1/2 years old, we introduced him to our newest family members: Jonathan and Isabella! Again, he was thrilled! He went to almost every prenatal appointment and LOVED watching the ultrasound machine to see the babies! When they were born, he said right away that Bella was his new girlfriend! He held them, snuggled them, helped feed them, etc! He, once again, proved to be the sweetest kid on earth!

Shortly after turning 4 years old, he started pre-K. (Left picture)He asked to go to school when he was 3, so this was indeed a BIG DEAL for him! Xander was ecstatic! There are those kids who cried because they didn't want to go to school...then there was MY kid who cried because he didn't want to go HOME!! At times, I literally had to carry him to the car crying because he wanted to stay at school longer! Here's hoping he keeps that love for education! In the year of pre-K, he learned so many things! (end of pre-K: right pic) He now knows how to read simple 2 & 3 letter w ords (off, on, zoo, dog), he recognizes most basic numbers, and knows a few basic math problems (1+1, 3+3, etc). His best friends were Austin and Josh. He played t-ball when school got out! He was the oldest kid on his team, so I think he understood the rules a little better than some of the others. He ran after EVERY ball...even the ones not coming his direction! He made his first girlfriend too! Her name is Sydney! They were inseparable- even when the coach split them up, they always managed to reconnect! They'd walk on the field with their arms around each other & hug when they had to part! Cracked us up!! He has fun no matter what he is doing! He just LOVES life!

As with every child on every birthday, I will write Xander's letter:

Dear Xander, You are my first-born son! You and I will always carry a special bond that your brothers and sisters will never have! You will always be my baby; my sweet-pea; my X-Man. In the last 5 years, you have grown to be a smart, loving, awesome young man! You have learned how to do chores around the house: taking out trash, cleaning up toys, setting the table, clearing the table...the list goes on and on! You are always ready to learn something new- always asking questions about how things work and why! You have always loved trucks of all kinds- even the stinky garbage trucks. Whenever we drive by one, you get super excited & yell, "Mommy, look, a garbage truck!" I have never known anyone to be excited about garbage trucks! I love your wonder and amazement for everything around you! You make friends with everyone you meet! You love people. You love animals. You love school. You love your brothers and sisters! I love you so very much! I hope your sweet personality never changes! I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 5 years and look forward to the upcoming 5 years! Love, Mommy!