7 Years Old

The Birthday Boy is getting ready to say, "Pikachu!" (for all you non-Pokemon types, that is the name of his favorite character and also the guy who is on his cake.

Calvin got a Pokemon index for his birthday, and he loves it.  And so do we.  I love to listen to Pokemon stats everyday all day.  

For his birthday Calvin wanted to do this bungee/trampoline/bouncy thingy at the mall.  He loved it, but he loved it very cautiously.  He was a teeny bit afraid, but still managed to crank out a few flips.  Wyatt and I were too scared to try.

And last, but not least, we sang to him, and we ate cake.

Dear Calvin,

I have started to dread writing you this letter every year because it means that there is one more year come and gone and one less year you are mine.  Six was a great year for you.  Looking back it seems like you have matured so much.  Your sense of humor is getting so cute, and I love to listen to you laugh when you think something is funny.  It is contagious.  

Thank you for such a wonderful year.  Thank you for learning to ride your bike so that I have a buddy to ride along with me.  It is fun to look for giant rabbits and lizards on our outings.  You are a good boy, Calvin.  I can see that in your heart.  You always try to do the right thing, and that makes me proud.  I love that are so bright and competent in your schooling.  I hope that you will always keep that same drive.  I like to help out in your classroom and watch you as you go about your school work.  I'm so impressed that you know the water cycle (among many other things).  I don't think I knew that at your age.  You are amazing!

You are such an important part of our family.  You are a good big brother to Wyatt and Cyrus.  I know that you get frustrated having to deal with Wyatt's antics, but I am glad when you are patient with him.  You two are becoming such good friends.  He admires you and tries to be like you because you are such a great big brother.  Thank you for being so sweet to Cyrus.  He loves you and tries to be just like you too.  He will grow up looking to see how you act.  Thank you for getting him out of his bed in the morning and getting him little snacks.  That is adorable.  Sometimes I purposely don't get him out of bed because I like to watch you carry him into our room. 

As I mentioned, you are very into Pokemon.  I have some learning to do.  Mario and Thomas characters have been easy for me to learn, but these new guys are swimming in my head.  There are so many of them, and you seem to know them all and everything about them.  

"There were bells on a hill, but I never heard them ringing.  No, I never heard them at all 'til there was you."  It's true. I knew life was sweet and good and wonderful, but I had not idea how much until you came along.  You changed my life forever and ever, and I wouldn't go back for anything in this world.  I hope for everything good to come into your life as you grow up, and I hope that you become a Dad just like your Dad.  I hope that you find as much happiness in your role as a parent as Daddy and I do.  I hope that you grow up and are successful and happy and good.  But just don't do it yet.  Don't grow up, or if you must go easy on me and don't do it quickly.  Sometimes I think how rich my life is with my little family, and I feel so grateful.  It's all I have ever wanted.  

I love you.

xoxoxo Mom

Things to Know about our New 7 Year Old:

- He likes to wear comfy shorts (anything non-jean) as soon as he gets home from school and on weekends

-He is a very good writer and likes to rewrite books that he has read complete with his own illustrations

-Oatmeal is still his favorite food, and he eats it at least twice a day,  and probably more if I would let him.

-He is so strong that he can bring in the big garbage cans from the street every Thursday without breaking a sweat.

-If he thinks that what he is asking you is too much, he will say, "Don't worry about it." (cute)

-Like a true boy, he is most comfortable sleeping in his underwear.

-He doesn't need any help getting ready. He can shower, dress, brush his teeth, and pack his lunch all on his own.

-He loves to cook and even invented his own recipe "Milk Muffins." They need a little tweaking, but I'm sure after he does, they will no longer be a liquid muffin, but more of a bready one.

-He is a great prayer.  He says the sweetest, most genuine prayers.

-He loves to dance, especially to "Dynamite" "Party Anthem" and "Tonight, Tonight"

-He's awesome.