Dear Freddy,
At dinner tonight, you said that you were ready to turn 7. I'm glad you're ready because I'm not!
I don't know where to begin...
How about with how big you are, literally and figuratively. When you stood up in Primary on Sunday for them to sing to you, you towered over the little girl next to you who happens to be a day older. I shouldn't be surprised because you've always been a long, lean boy. I know it's coming soon but I'm not looking forward to the day you'll be taller than me. Perhaps we should get you signed up for basketball sooner rather than later.
You are a wonderful big brother and help with Doodlebug all the time. Even though it's tight, you two love sharing a room and I love hearing you say goodnight to each other after I've closed the bedroom door. He usually wakes up before you do but on the mornings where I don't get him first, you kindly wake up, get him out of his bed, gather all his essentials, and bring him to the family room (unless he makes a beeline for our bedroom). You aren't shy to give him hugs and kisses when you line up with your classroom each morning and after school when we pick you up.
Speaking of picking up, you are a bit of a worry wort (like me!) when it comes to us picking you up. On two different occasions, we met you in a different spot and you did NOT like that. Your tender heart worries easily and you like routine. So I make sure to be at the same spot every day, on time, so the second your leave your classroom, you can see us and be at ease.
You scored big time at Christmas and your pre-birthday with grandparents in the "school" department. When we play school, you love pretending you're the teacher and I can tell what your teacher does in the classroom because you like to replicate it. She has been a blessing in your life and I love that you love learning because of her. You've improved leaps and bounds in just a few months and I know you'll keep improving in your reading, writing, and math.
You still love your bike and love being outside. Except it's been rainy rainy rainy and is going to continue to be rainy rainy rainy for the next week. Sort of like when you were born. But I can guarantee as soon as the sun starts to shine, you'll be begging to go back outside. Especially since your friend/neighbor/classmate, Emma, is home from vacation.
I love that you don't care, yet, about friends being boys or girls. We won't be able to have a friends party this year but you still want to have a special event with Emma. Talula is also one of your friends at school and you treat both of them with kindness and love. The boys are a different story. You seem to have a new story every day of someone griping about something that happened at recess. Silly boys.
You strive to be good, most of the time. You want to follow the rules and we encourage you to be a good example. We want your light to shine through because we know it's in there. Teachers, friends, and family always compliment us on what a great boy you are when they spend one on one time with you. You give us a run for our money at home but I'm grateful you're on your best behavior with others.
Six was an eventful age for you; getting glasses, breaking your arm, learning to ride a skateboard, learning to tie your shoes, eating coleslaw on your pulled pork sandwiches :)
Seven is going to be just as awesome!
You make me smile and my heart swell. I can't believe it's been 7 years since I held your tiny body in my arms and took care of every single one of your needs. I try to gather as much of you in my arms nowadays but it's not quite the same. So I will take whatever I can get and treasure each hug, snuggle, and kiss you'll let me sneak in. Continue to be kind, thoughtful, push yourself, and remember that you are capable of so much!
I love you, my sweet boy!
Mommy
