Another year has passed us by and now my baby boy is 7. A 7 year old, who is in first grade, is almost as tall as his 9 year old brother, and has shoulders that are broadening and a chest that is thickening. I was only half kidding when I put you to bed tonight and told you that you may wake up taller than me.
You are a special boy, Turner. There is really nothing else to say. You have this way of making those around you feel special and lucky and engaged. You make eye contact and appreciate each moment that anyone spends with you, and it shows.
You make friends, easily. You are social, and fun, and bring an element to the party that is missed when you are not around. And, yet, you are independent and mature and O.K. all on your own. You know everything, but don't ever act like a know it all. But, if I am looking for something or need to know some information about our household, I can always ask you and be sure to get the right answer. You are structured, yet not too much, and like order, but are not obsessed by it. You are silly, and smart, and always have a dance move in your step and a song in your voice.
At school you have Mrs. Delfini. Some of your school friends are Gavin, Chase, Jake, Alex, and Greyson. Although you fight incessantly with Ryder it is because you are very much like him and share similar interests. You have a bond with Chase that doesn't need to be discussed, it just is, and although you love to tattle tale, it is clear you adore them both. You don't let them get away with giving the younger brother a hard time and definitely dish it right back at them.
You are an amazing big brother to Decker. Your care and concern is evident each time you look at him. You take him in your arms and never hesitate to tell him you love him or tell him how cute he is. So often you greet him with "Hi, gorgeous face!" Your empathetic and thoughtful way makes you a natural big brother and you never think twice about making sure he is happy first. I admire that about you. It is just who you are. You care about other people and other things and make the effort to satisfy those around you. You are a terrific chore doer and are my number one man when it comes to offering me help. You're not scared of hard work, nor a little elbow grease, and are always willing to lend a helping hand.
Your party will be on Sunday, celebrated with The Great Holtzie. This is a party you've been waiting to have since you were 4, when Chase and Ryder had him at their party. I told you then, "when you are in first grade" and don't you know that as soon as your party was brought up this year you said "I am in first grade, I get Great Holtzie." That is how you are. You don't forget things that are said and expect follow through. We need someone like you living in this house, for sure.
You will dabble in sports when all of the boys play but you have not, yet, shown too much of an interest in playing organized sports. Maybe that is not for you. You do take piano lessons, though they are bi-weekly so progression is slow, but you seem to enjoy them and are diligent about what you learn. Earlier in October you had a little recital. You did a great job, as we would expect, and you looked so handsome.
Although you don't talk about it, and it is hard because Ryder gets so much attention for his skills, you are a pretty good drawer. I hope you will continue to practice the art form so that you can become a talented artist, as well.
You're a unique and wonderful kid. At 7 years old you are 62 pounds and 48.5 inches. You are getting bigger and thicker and your back is spreading every day. You have a loud speaking voice and often need to be shushed but also have an endearing smile and contagious laugh. You are quick witted and clever and don't miss too much of what's around you. You're street smart and showing signs of being a good student.
You're my baby, now and forever, as I like to tell you often, but there's very little baby left in you.
I love you, Turner. You make me proud every day.
Mommy
Turner at 5
Turner at 6
