Koen Turns Six

Every year, I take photos of my kids on/near their birthdays.  Poor Koen was born January 2 so his sessions are always a tad bit chilly.  I promised him it would take less than 10 minutes and let him choose the spots that he wanted.  Koen has a hard time smiling for photos because he can't fake it.  His face just always expresses how he really feels.  He's our sensitive guy.

Koen is unique.  He plays very well on his own and makes up many creative games.  He loves playing with his stuffies and will spend the day sending them on an Amazing Race, or playing Ninja Warrior or even The Price is Right.  He loves to cuddle with us or his stuffies and his special blanket; Bubi.

He will either play independently or he will follow what other people do.  He usually does not take the lead unless the kids are much younger than him.  He copies others in play and all it takes is one suggestion and Koen will throw himself in 100% without thinking about what might happen.  This is great because he's enthusiastic and eager.  This is also concerning when I think about him as a teenager!

He has a caring heart.  When he hears that someone is sick, his first thought is `We need to pray for them!'.  He worries about others and wants to make sure they are all safe.

He is goofy.  He loves to laugh about `toilet humour' and he has many inside jokes with his big brother, Kai.

He loves his siblings so much.  He knows them very well and really enjoys pestering them.

Koen has taught me patience.  He has provided us with so many laughs.  His thoughtfulness can melt my heart.

Like his big brother, his appetite is wild.  He loves all food (except for mushrooms) but his favourite of all are mangoes.  That was what he wanted for his birthday...a box of mangoes.  

We love you Koey/Doughball/Cobalt/Koen and are so thankful for you.

Love,
Mom/Louise