Mateo has just turned three last Friday, January 15. To celebrate his birthday, we ordered two trays of baked macaroni and some chicken fingers from the canteen, bought a Backyardigans cake from Red Ribbon, and purchased some popsicles from Shopwise. Then, during their recess in school, we went upstairs to distribute food and gifts to his classmates.

It was the first time I saw mateo at work (or more appropriately in play) with his classmates. It was also the first time I saw how small my little big boy is in relation to his preschool friends. He’s barely half the size (and not just height) of the biggest boy in their class Yugi. And even the smallest girl in class is still an inch or two taller than mateo.

I keep telling myself that it’s his age that’s working against him when it comes to size, but I can’t help but worry. I know he’s going to catch up to his friends too, but I’m just not sure when. Let’s face it. Size is an advantage when it comes to so many things – sports, recitation, and even in presentations.

If he does make it to the next level and move on with his classmates, he’ll still be more than half a year younger (and smaller) than them. Should I make him stay in the same level for another year just so he’ll be with kids of the same age and size? Or should I just risk it? Is is time for him to take human growth hormone supplements or do I just wait and see if he catches up in size with his friends? How long will mateo be my little big boy?