Dear Toot

Toot,
It was your seventh birthday yesterday. Daddy and I got up early and made your favorite breakfast- pancakes and bacon. (We had no syrup because Mommy's intentions never equal reality, but I ran to the drug store and it all turned out.) We put candles in your pancakes and you made a wish! We had school, as usual, and met Dad for McDonald's at lunch time. You really love your hamburgers. And for dinner, Nana treated you (and us) to O'Charleys. You ate an entire rack of ribs ALL BY YOURSELF! Your appetite has quadrupled this year, at least.
Your appetite is not the only thing that has changed this year. You have found your voice, Toot! You have become opinionated, developed a sense of humor, and found it easy to make new friends. At home, you are very laid back. School- each and every subject- comes easy for you. You requested to play tennis this year, a sport none of us has ever played. It has been fun to watch you find your own way. And through sports, you have developed quite the competitive spirit. In fact, when Daddy or I have a date night with you, you want to play a sport or play trivia. Typically, amazingly, you take defeat really well, though...so far. You are very good with your hands. We bought you a 500 piece Lego set that was built by bed time. By now, you have torn it apart and rebuilt it three or four times. I wonder how you will use that gift?

You have really grown up this year! Thank you for being a patient, affectionate, creative and an energetic son and brother. It is very easy to enjoy you! Your eyes and smile (with dimples) melt my heart! I am immensely happy that you love Jesus and tell us confidently that you believe and trust in Him. We pray for you to have ever increasing faith and love for Jesus daily. I love you precious thing! Happy birthday!

Love,

Mommy

PS This is the first birthday in your life that you did not request some sort of train. Maybe Toot is not an appropriate nickname any more! Sniff, sniff.