Finding Ninee » Sharing our parenting and special needs stories with heart and humor.

And Then, He Turned Six

The night before my sixth birthday, I stood barefoot on our front porch in my nightie as the sun began its descent. “Everything will change tomorrow,” I thought. “You’re not one of the little kids anymore. Six means being a big kid.”

I suppose that in many ways, I was right. Six, after all, brought first grade, walking to school by myself (you could see the school from our porch but, still), a Brownie troop, and quizzes at school. It meant riding my bike on the Big Hill at school with Suzy the neighbor, and her telling me about the Very Most Bad Word Ever. I didn’t believe her until I later confirmed this important fact with my dad. SORRY DAD.

Sorry for asking you about the Very Most Bad Word Ever and sorry for that other time, two years later in third grade when I asked you if a blow job meant kissing a penis.

Anyway. This isn’t a post about penises or Very Bad Words. This is a post about turning six, and being thankful for adventure, bravery, roller coasters, family and travel.

birthdays are the ultimate reminder that the hours are long but the days are short

Because friends, last week, it happened. My not-so-teeny-tiny-baby-anymore turned six. And while I’m completely and utterly unready for six and completely and utterly unready for accepting the fact that my son turning six means that it’s been six years since I met him, I’m sort of in awe of what six looks like.

New mommy with baby

Six here sounds like for-real sentences that I wondered whether we’d ever have, and him getting that it’s his birthday.

Six is my little boy being less afraid of the roller coaster than I am. The one that gets up to 70mph and has three upside-down loops.

OMG this roller coaster looks terrifying

Six is Tucker laughing on the water ride while his big brother looks terrified behind him.

waterslide at Dollywood

Six was making a birthday bag, and waiting for weeks to open presents. It was laughter and collecting fireflies in the yard, and letting them go when he learned that if he put them in a jar, they’d die.

Six was lighting fireworks in Tennessee and Nana and PaPaw’s farm, and while they weren’t as spectacular as the ones at the beach, they were ours and ended just in time for the rain. That we didn’t have to fight crowds and traffic to get sleepily home, because we were already there.

Thankful.

It was going to a waterpark and being tall enough to go down the big slide.

Finding Ninee Tucker going down water slide

It was going to Dollywood, and watching the Bazillion Bubbles Show, and walking around with soaked underpants all day because we went on the water ride first. Twice. Also if you have a chance to see the Bazillion Bubbles Show, go. It was incredible.
Lasers at Dollywood Bazillion bubbles show      gazilion bubbles dollywood

It was expected thunderstorms that didn’t happen which meant walking right by signs that read “Only 45 minutes from here!” and pulling up to the end of the ride and being asked whether we’d like to go again, because nobody was waiting.

It was magical and perfect and six.

IIt was me, realizing that my baby is still a baby when he asks me to never leave his bed at night, my hand clenched in his.

It has been me, realizing that for the first time, I sometimes walk in front of him, okay that he’s not in my view. Six.

It’s been him, opening the door on his own, and having new opinions, and wishes and dreams, separate from mine, but also him coming into my room, in the morning, and giving me his favorite stuffed animal so that he can go downstairs, by himself. Six.

But still telling me that he’s going downstairs, and bringing me his animal, and patting me on the shoulder. Him, asking me to “stay forever” before asking me to leave, late at night.

Six. This is six.

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This has been a thankful post.

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PS thanks to Ivy for being a total weeniebutt, allowing the rest of us to bask in our minionism of weeniebutt worship.

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  • Kristi - Oh, what a beautiful tribute to Tucker, and to the wonderful world of 6! Happy, happy birthday–to birthday boy, and Mom, too!July 12, 2015 – 11:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandra - He speaks very well. I’m not sure what I expected but he’s obviously exceeded what you were told he would be capable of. He’s delightful. And so are you. And how the heck did you know what a blow job was when you were in grade 3? I thought I was scandalous.July 13, 2015 – 12:00 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sandra, he’s doing SO GREAT. Seriously. Just three years ago he called water “ah” and now, well, something clicked for him. And yeah, in third grade, a boy named Brandon told me what a BJ was and then I asked my dad if it was true – while my dad was driving. Poor guy, it’s a wonder we didn’t run off the road!July 13, 2015 – 4:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Vanessa D. - I remember 6 as being the year all traces of pre-schooler vanished and suddenly I had little boys instead. Tucker looks as if he has gone and done the same thing to you.July 13, 2015 – 6:04 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Vanessa,
      He so has! While he’s amazing as a little boy, part of me misses baby-him and preschooler-him!July 13, 2015 – 4:46 pmReplyCancel

  • ivy - YAY TUCKER! WOW I cannot believe the vid… so cool… total sentence and total “ME!” I love that! I also love that you do roller coasters and would shoot the moon if he wanted to!
    NOW … Its about time you recognized my stature! I mean , cmon… Im 52… Tucker was six when he got his!July 13, 2015 – 6:47 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know! He’s awesome!! And okay okay, I recognize your stature. What do I need to do now?July 13, 2015 – 4:52 pmReplyCancel

      • ivy - oh, nuthin’. recognition is enough… Tucker is the real star!July 13, 2015 – 4:55 pmReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - I RECOGNIZE! And blew you a kiss, too. Because you’re one excellent weeniebutt.July 13, 2015 – 4:57 pmReplyCancel

          • ivy - 3
            is there a butt emoji?cuz yknow… thats just a three.July 13, 2015 – 4:59 pm

          • Kristi Campbell - Ivy what about this:
            (_._)July 13, 2015 – 6:06 pm

  • Janine Huldie - Happy 6th Birthday to Tucker!! Emma is right behind him on Friday now and seriously just can’t believe it. We had her birthday party with her school friends this past weekend and was raging with all sorts of emotions, too. I just can’t believe how grown up our kids are getting and time is most definitely flying right by us.July 13, 2015 – 7:40 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I can’t believe it either, Janine! What will you do for Emma’s party? I hope it’s awesome!!! And yeah, I can’t believe how grown up they’re getting either. I wish I were younger – I’d have another baby! 😉July 13, 2015 – 4:54 pmReplyCancel

      • Janine Huldie - We had her school/friends’ party this past Saturday at a Chocolate place local here. They made chocolate lollipops and fondue. She had a blast and was in her glory. But now Friday is for us and the grandparents. And I hear you on having more, but at this point I am too old and tired, too!!July 13, 2015 – 5:08 pmReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - OOOH fun to the Chocolate place! That sounds fabulous! Sounds like we’re doing the same things – an early party with friends and then a family birthday with grandparents. Perfect. And yeah, hear you on old and tired!July 13, 2015 – 10:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine - While this was beautiful and all, I can’t get past the bubble show. We were just at Dollywood in April, and there most certainly was NOT a bubble show to see! We would have loved that!
    Six is big. So is 10. And 13. And 16. So many big numbers to reach. I am astounded each time one of my kids reaches one. I’ll have kids turning 6 and 13 and 17 in the next month. It’s almost painful. And awesome.July 13, 2015 – 9:07 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Really? No bubble show? Oh that’s a bummer!! If you ever see it happening, please go. You’ll LOVE it. Seriously it was incredible! Maybe he travels around different cities? Anyway, sorry that you missed it. Also yeah, almost painful but awesome too.July 13, 2015 – 4:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Dyanne @ I Want Backsies - Happy birthday, Tucker! You are a daredevil with the sweetest spirit about you that I think I’ve ever seen! Enjoy 6 to the fullest!
    Dollywood was built by the same people who built Silver Dollar City, where I am. Dolly has since added her own twist (I was there once a lifetime ago, but that’s a story for another day).July 13, 2015 – 12:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Dyanne! He really is a dare devil and so sweet. xo Dollywood was so nice – clean and awesome. I’ll bet Silver Dollar City is awesome too!July 13, 2015 – 5:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Love the photos! You go brave 6-year-old!July 13, 2015 – 12:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Bev - Happy birthday to Tucker!July 13, 2015 – 12:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Six rocks and you have rocked the past six years. As I was reading this I thought of when we first met and how freaking scared we were about our not so typical children and what it means to us as moms. Tucker has defied all of your fears (and probably created new ones) and triumphed. Thanks to you & your husband. Well, really, you…. 😉July 13, 2015 – 12:52 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Isn’t it amazing Kerri? We’ve all come so far. Acceptance, milestones, friendship. I can’t believe it’s been almost three years (come September, for me starting this blog). Time flies, friend! And thanks so much for seeing how much he’s rocked it!! xoJuly 13, 2015 – 5:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - That sparkler video is the best EVER.
    Scarlet thinks that being seven is a big, big kid so at least we have a whole other year of having tiny children! According to Scarlet.
    I remember thinking first grade was big and scary but when my sister-in-law got a job teaching first grade several years ago I thought, “Aww! That’s SO little!”
    I just have to keep telling myself that.July 13, 2015 – 3:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Tamara,
      Thinking first grade “AWW that’s so little!” helps because it IS little. It just feels big compared to my little preschool dude. Sigh. I’m going to go ahead and embrace Scarlet’s philosophy about seven too.July 13, 2015 – 5:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - Oh gosh! *gasps* he is so brave!!
    There is much to be thankful for!! And, I’m still snickering imagining your dad’s reactions in both instances!July 13, 2015 – 4:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Six (last March) was an adjustment for me too. Now I’m (we’re) facing first grade and that’s terrifying to me.July 13, 2015 – 4:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Michele @ A Storybook Life - Happy belated birthday, Tucker! Six sounds magical.July 14, 2015 – 9:53 amReplyCancel

  • Rabia @TheLiebers - Kristi, this is just beautiful! I hope Tucker had a very happy 6th birthday! He sure looks like he did!July 14, 2015 – 11:45 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - Aww, you’re making me wish my kids were 6 again! Well, maybe just for a day or two. 🙂 Seriously though, a very sweet post! And those rollercoaster pics – LOVE!July 14, 2015 – 4:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw! Thanks, Emily! And yeah. I know. I wish Tucker were two again until I don’t… xoJuly 14, 2015 – 10:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Mombo - love this post, Kristi! Tucker is so “grown-up” bless youJuly 15, 2015 – 2:49 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks Mombo! He’s so grown up. It’s kinda sad. But also beautiful. xoJuly 15, 2015 – 7:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - This post made me smile. Kristi, he looks so grown-up. I know it’s been a year since I met him – but really looks more confident. I love the ride pictures – and he is brave! Cammy rode one scary ride at Kennywood and he let me have it, and boycotted almost every ride (even at Mall of America) – and he’s going to be 8 this weekend. And, I don’t think I knew he had an older brother. You’ve inspire me. I never did a birthday post, but may just do one for Cammy.July 15, 2015 – 8:52 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - He IS more confident and grown up and BRAVE. Gosh this kid – I can’t believe the rides he’s willing to go on. Do a birthday post for Cammy! Tucker’s birthday posts are some of my OWN favorites (don’t know about the world but it’s my blog anyway right). xoJuly 15, 2015 – 7:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - This is six
    And it makes my heart happy.
    Happy Birthday Tucker.
    You are one hell of an awesome kid man. xoxoJuly 15, 2015 – 9:08 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Just beautiful. Perfect. And I totally get every word of it, only now mine is SEVEN. Do you know how much “girl” and how little “baby” seven means? Yeah…sigh.
    Happy birthday again to both of you!July 15, 2015 – 3:38 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lisa! I feel the same way about the difference between five and six. Five was still baby…entering kindergarten and now, it’s like LITTLE KID alert! I imagine that seven is the same. And eight. And 11. And OMG. xoxoJuly 15, 2015 – 8:21 pmReplyCancel

      • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Yup, Kindergarten was fine. First grade? Not as much? Going to second??? I can’t even. Because then I start thinking about pre-teen…and teen…and college…and then I REALLY can’t even and I have to go lie down. 😀July 15, 2015 – 9:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Six looks pretty freakin’ terrific to me!July 15, 2015 – 9:20 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - I’m Six! I’m Six!
    How wonderful & fabulous & magical.
    Savor the time w/ your darling, Kristi!!
    xx love from MN.July 16, 2015 – 10:24 amReplyCancel

  • Jolene Philo - Happy birthday to Tucker! What a wonderful day for celebrating. Thanks for adding the post to DifferentDream.com’s Tuesday link up.July 17, 2015 – 12:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - So sweet! Love that correction, “Happy Birthday to ME!” Kudos to him and the rollercoaster. I think Christopher was six when we went to Bush Gardens. As of this year he’s ready to try again but between then and now it was, “I am NEVER riding on a rollcoaster again.” Mind you he did not get on a rollercoaster. WE did. He just got on something that made him say he wasn’t getting on a rollercoaster. Ever.July 17, 2015 – 9:25 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that correction, too, Kenya! LOL to Christopher getting on something that made him say that he wasn’t getting on a rollercoaster. Tucker loves them for some reason. Me, well, I’ll tolerate them to see his smiles but they’re not my favorite.July 20, 2015 – 9:21 amReplyCancel

      • Kenya G. Johnson - They WERE my favorite but I’m afraid they wouldn’t be now. Different strokes for older folks.July 20, 2015 – 11:17 amReplyCancel

  • Stacey - Oh goodness, this was so sweet. My oldest turned seven on the 10th of this month. Why is it that when kids go from five to six then six to seven, it seems like they have aged more than a year?! Thomas turning six didn’t bother me as much him turning seven has, I think in part because he had to repeat kindergarten so it meant he wasn’t quite a big kid yet. 🙂 Now he is seven and going into 1st grade and I don’t like it, not at all. :July 22, 2015 – 11:05 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Stacey, you’re so right! I mean five to six and six to seven? GAH!!! I sometimes feel like I am still stuck on two because well because for a lot of reasons and I miss TWO!!!
      And yeah, I don’t like going into first grade at all either. Hugs to you. Huge, big, gigantic ones.July 22, 2015 – 10:40 pmReplyCancel

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