Our goofball, Jasper Kincaid Ohlin turns 5 today, seriously how is that possible?! He was so tiny and skinny when he was born and his legs were bent up at the hips with his feet all the way up touching his ears. Greg and I both watched when the nurse pushed his legs down as they popped right back up.
And he was quiet, so quiet, even when he cried for the first two months it was like a little mew.
Eventually he found his voice and “that boy” as we call him is funny! He says things like, “I need a cocktail!” and, “My life isn’t complete without candy!” and, “Mama, something in my heart is telling me to go visit people.” He’s desperate to be able to read books like his sister, but at the same time he told me he was already “done learnin’.” More often than not he says things that have absolutely nothing to do with the conversation. Greg, Lily and I might be talking about going on a trail hike and Jasper will chime in with something like, “Why did I just lick myself?!” Good question, buddy. We’ve learned to just roll with it and we try really hard not to laugh our butts off in front of him. Just yesterday when he was running around half naked trying to get his Kung Fu uniform on I told him I needed a hug and said, “I can’t believe you’re going to be five tomorrow.” He smiled at me and said, “I guess I’ll have steak!” Uhm what? I thought. “You don’t even like steak,” I replied. “Yeah, but maybe when I’m five I’ll like steak,” he said.
He tells a mean story with action and conflict and dialogue, and that boy can dance. I mean it’s like he was born going to the disco in the 70’s, like he feels the beat in his head and body. His dance skills go along with his flair for the dramatic. In my past before I had kids I had seen a few children throw fits. Of course I rolled my eyes and thought, I will never let my child behave like that. Ha! Well, now I’m the mother of a child who can throw down with the best of them! I mean I’d never seen a kid go from standing and calm one second to instantly morphing into a full body spasm propelling himself face down on the floor, tears flowing, words of belligerent disbelief sputtering out of his mouth with the knowledge that no, he cannot have the the chocolate bunny for breakfast. I know, buddy, life is rough!
He’s a cuddler, both my kids are, and I hope he always is.
And even though he’s absolutely the most stubborn person I’ve ever met on the planet, I hope he always has his spunk and sparkle that shines so bright through his greenish-blueish-gray eyes and beautiful smile. Happy Birthday Buddy!
Tricia says
I love that boy!! Happy Birthday Jasper. He sure does keep us laughing 🙂
shannin says
Happy birthday Jas!! We love you and your spunk!!
Patty Hughes says
You have described him to a tee!
It’s a good thing they’re funny. Love that boy
Sara Ohlin says
It is a good thing they’re funny, isn’t it! The other morning Greg was getting mad at him and instead of Jasper answering Greg with words, he started playing long mournful notes on his harmonica. I almost peed my pants!
Clare Hughes says
Gosh I can’t wait to see him grow and grow ever more! Love him and love you! What a character! Happy birthday Jaz!
GramS says
Love and kisses to my J Man on his 5th birthday! Your writing was excellent, as usual, Sara! Great blog, love you and your subjects!
Sara Ohlin says
Thanks GramS! See you soon!
Sonia Do says
Happy birthday Jasper! And happy anniversary to you, Mom, for the day you gave birth to this amazing gift to the world!
Sara Ohlin says
Thanks Lady, miss you!
Paula J Clouse says
He sure is a sweet heart. Sounds like a typical boy I remember my brothers all having tempers. One minute playing nicely the next red heads going at it!
My niece also had problems with her legs when she was born. She looked like she was doing side splits. One leg foward, one leg slighly to side & back. She was in hip cast until she was about 18 months didn’t walk til she was almost 2. She is now 38 and the mother of a healthy 12 year old son.
Sara Ohlin says
Paula, he is a typical boy for sure! Thanks for your nice comments!
Paula Hughes says
Happy Birthday Jasper! This is just beautiful Sara! Enjoyed reading @ such a sweet “goofball”
Sara Ohlin says
Thanks Aunt Paula!
Dave Mitchell says
He is a special gift from God. A bit of a crazy one but Lordy what fun! And that last photo is magnificent!