Dear Caleb,
Oh my sweet big boy.
(photo credit: Bottle Rocket Photography)
Seven! Crazy. I was thinking recently about how, though my memory isn't so good, I start to have more memories around age 7 or 8. You are getting to that point!
This year...
You started and finished 1st grade. Below are the first and last day pics.
You started and finished 1st grade. Below are the first and last day pics.
You wore the same shirt for comparison, but your sweatshirt and pose in the last day pic rendered that somewhat ineffective.
You were in your first play (technically a reader's theater) and insisted on memorizing your lines, although you were not required to do so.
You finished your first baseball season and you played a second one (although apparently we don't have any pics from the second one).
You lost your two front teeth (in time for Christmas even).
You were tall enough (and brave enough) to go down the slide at the pool. In fact, you have gotten increasingly braver and more adventurous than when you were little. You challenge yourself, you take risks, and you are so proud of yourself when you do something you were a little hesitant to do.
What else?
You still love to read. Comic books, chapter books, Highlights magazines, picture books, etc.
You have gotten more into creative things like arts and crafts and lego play. Your early experiences with Legos were all about the building sets, but now you love to come up with your own creations. And you are good at it!
You've delved into some science this year as well and have had fun doing candy experiments and other random experiments.
And you had a piece of artwork selected for the Douglas County School District Art Show!
But you had an even bigger first this year. You got to meet your baby brother.
You
were so sweet with him in those early days of his life. It was neat to
watch you interact with him as you took on a big brother role for the
second time. You acted like you knew the ropes and had a special
appreciation for your baby brother. Lilah had a bit of a tougher time
adjusting. But you took it in stride...at least for the most part.
(photo credit: Bottle Rocket Photography)
As Gabriel has grown, you have delighted in making him laugh, cuddling with
him, and watching him accomplish new feats (like talking and crawling
and climbing the stairs). I have delighted in watching his face light
up when his big brother enters the room.
Your relationship with your little sister has grown richer this year as well.
(photo credit: Rebel Child Photography)
You are true playmates, quarrelers, partners in crime.
I look forward to watching the three of you continue to grow in your relationships with each other. I pray you will always be close and find joy, comfort, and friendship in one another.
Here are some pics from your 7th birthday party. You had an Octonauts themed party at a small water park nearby. It was fun!
Cherish every minute, they say. Not an easy thing to do, but certainly worth the effort. I know the time will fly. It has so far! You are such a joy, Caleb Jonathan, and my hope is that I treasure well the years that I get to spend with you.
Love you always and forever,
Mama
