On the occasion of his 5th birthday...

... on which he turns 20.

Yes, that's right. My little (okay, younger) brother was a Leap Year baby! I wish we could celebrate together, but maybe we'll just have a cake here. I'll eat some for you, bro.

please notice Justine's amazing 90's pants

You've been the best kind of little brother. You were always super easy-going, and went along with whatever games we made you play. When Mom gave us little bowls of popcorn, we knew we could count on you, the world's slowest eater, to not notice when we would sneak pieces out of your bowl since ours were empty in the first 7 seconds of the movie. When you got old enough to be obnoxious (that "phase" Mom always said you were going through took for-freaking-ever) you also had these little redeeming moments. Even though you pretend not to remember, I distinctly recall you making up these goofy little songs you'd sing only to me. And as annoying as it was that you brought the chicken pox home from school, it was fun that we were sick together so we could watch Football Follies (was that what it was called?) and make each other laugh to pass the time.

When you were still my 'little' brother

Sometime while I was at college you grew up. You went from being mistaken for us girls on the phone (poor guy) to a young man (now you sound like Dad). You discovered you're talented at playing guitar, and you're not afraid to share your songs- not like you had a choice in this family! I'm always amazed when you write a new one, especially since songwriting doesn't come at all naturally to me.

a fun memory of a fun day

You're more fun to talk to and hang out with now. We've discovered we have some common interests, instead of just a shared history. It's been fun to get to know the man you're becoming, rather than the kid brother I grew up with.

You're still the quietest of us, and arguably the most laid-back. You're never the one to rock the boat and hate to hurt anyone's feelings. You don't like to impose your will on others. That said, you are very convicted in your beliefs and you're not afraid to stand up for yourself. You're considerate, and you try to befriend people to whom friends don't come easily.

little weebie loving on her uncle

We're so proud to have you as Grace's godfather. She already loves you so much. She really does ask for you often. She also remembers that you're the one who taught her to say, "Yeah, dude!" I know that  you'll be a good role model for her, someone she can look up to, someone she can turn to if she needs it.

I'm so proud of you, broski. You always were my favorite brother. I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and that you make the most of your special day. We love you and miss you!



P.S. Just got Grace up a little bit ago. Out of nowhere she said, "Yeah, dude. Bacub?" and then was pointing in various directions to try and find your picture. No joke.