My first born

turns 7 years old today!

Dear Gator,
It's so hard to believe that you have grown up so fast. Your Daddy and I are so pleased with the young man you are becoming.

You are in first grade now. You read chapter books with very little help, and have spelling tests and memory verses every week. You love the game Sudoku, tell time like a pro, and count money like an accountant.

Speaking of money, you are quite a saver! There have been multiple times over the last year that you have decided that you want something, figure out how much it is, and take on extra jobs to earn the money. In fact, you even hired yourself out to our neighbors - letting dogs out, cleaning up flower beds, along with other odd jobs. You made quite a lot of money at our garage sale too!

You are still very nurturing and compassionate, sensitive, and helpful. To watch you with your younger cousins (two of which are babies) is heartwarming. You are even that way with your brother (though there is a limit to your patience with him).

You love all sports (your favorite changes with the season). I asked you the other day who was playing in a football game. You responded, "LSU and Auburn are playing. It's 2nd and 6. Auburn is up by a touchdown and extra point." You've also started making your own playbook.

You are competitive, but not mean-spirited. In fact, your Daddy and I have clued into this and try to use it in our parenting of you. We were having a tough time in the morning with getting ready. So, I started setting the timer so you could beat the clock. Now, you get ready in 15 minutes (brush teeth, wash face, get dressed, and make your bed).

You are willing to try new foods now - can you teach your brother that trick? You are already eating us out of house and home. You're always hungry! I guess that is why you're such a big kid! At 7 years old, you are tall and lanky (like most of the men in our family), though not skinny. You wear a size 2 shoe, and a small or medium in clothes depending on the brand/item of clothing.

After learning the story about Jacob and Esau at school, you came home and asked me with all the seriousness in the world, "Am I the firstborn and do I get the birthright?" I laughed out loud! I love when you ask questions like that. It shows a new level in your thinking.

Your biggest news this year happened in January. You accepted Christ as your personal Savior! Daddy and I were there with you when you prayed. You were baptized just last month by Daddy. It was a very special day for you and for our family. You have asked some tough questions this year. Your faith inspires us with its simplicity and depth.

We are so blessed to have you in our family. You are a great joy to us.

Happy 7th birthday! We love you!