Joel, buddy! How on earth did you get so big so fast?! 8! 8? When I was dreaming of you joining our lives, I never really imagined the “big boy” part of your life, it was all about diapers and burp cloths and crib sheets. NOW it's all about Nintendo DS Lite, Star Wars, and Light Sabers, and reminding you to wear socks with your shoes!
I ponder, what seems to be the clearest signs that you are truly a “Big Boy”? I suppose the pocket-knife your dad gave you for your birthday this year might be one clue. That's why boys need a daddy. Your Mamma would not have given you one - probably EVER! Oh, and fireworks. Your dad let you light fireworks this year. Oh. Dear.
How can these things be OK? I mean, 8 isn't THAT old? Actually, you have earned that privilege,. You have proven to be quite obedient, and the “careful” gene from your mother has passed on to you fairly undiluted (the Y chromosome dilutes it a bit). You are quite masterful at negotiations, but when it comes to honesty and obedience - dude, you rock.
You want to know what others tell me about you? “Joel is so sweet!” “Joel has such good manners.” “Joel is so considerate.” My friends tell me that you are awesome about saying “please” and “thank you”. You are gracious. It makes a Mamma proud. It is so precious how many people, from friends to strangers, comment on your sweet nature. *sniff*
Kid, we are a lot alike, except at 8 I liked Barbies. You, not so much. I did really dig my friend's Atari consul and could play Pac-Man and Frogger with my best friend for hours, But your games of choice are Mario Brothers and Pokemon. We both like order. When I finally clean an area, you ALWAYS comment on it. Just the other day I finally cleaned the refrigerator. You said, “Oh Mom! The fridge looks really nice. There's a lot of room in there.” I think you got a fun mix of dad and me. You have a longing for order (me) and the gift of encouraging words (your dad).
Your wallet. That's important these days. You are not a kid who is inclined to save for something big. You like gum and candy and arcades. You are cool with whittling your change away on the small stuff. You have a duct tape “bag” that dad made for you. It's filled with paper and pens and sticks and certain “collectible” objects. You have recently really gotten into paper and pens and drawing. Not long ago Mimi and Poppy had a yard sale and you chose “business gear” to keep your paper and all the important things you draw.
Funny boy. It appears you are acquiring your mother and father's senses of humor. We think it's the best, but we think that we're pretty funny. Like, when you gave Dad a “Happy Not You Day” card on Mother's Day.
Talker. Dude. Talk-er. You love (LU-HUV) to tell me what is happening in the movie while we are watching it. Not only do you tell me what he said/ she said/you said, you tell me what you said in your head while the situation was going down. I get to hear both the conversation with the people and the conversation in your head. Or, when you relay what you observed, you are clear to describe the situation as well as the running commentary you had going in your head. With you, there is no “short” story. As I proof-read this, it is clear you get that from me.
Right before your birthday you decided to take the bull by the horns and stop wearing Pull-ups at night. You have been such a deep sleeper, I didn't know when we'd graduate from those, but dude - you showed me. Thanks for saving us 20 bucks a month. I kinda feel like I should stick that in your savings account each month, but how many lattes would that get me???,
You da Bro - on all levels, Cutty. You torture Olivia sometimes - Tor. Ture. You play with Lucy, but just don't quite grasp how much stronger an 8 year old is compared to a 2 year old. On the flip side, if one of your girls gets hurt (unless you did it) you are THERE, ready to comfort and help. You feel so deeply when anyone gets hurt. Equally, if you are not shown similar compassion when you get hurt, your feelings hurt more that the pain on your body.
Olivia and you play hard and get along (pretty) well. Lucy can keep up too, but she is definitely the one you nurture the most. Recently, Lucy came to me with open arms, “Hold you Mama.” With raw meat juices on my hands, I told her I couldn't and said, “Go let Joel hold you.” Lucy said, “OK”. You were thrilled to have that snuggle time with her. You two sat on the couch and she watched you play your Nintendo DS (we always have to say the DS part),
If I could sum up 7 to 8 year in a few words I'd use compassion, emotional intensity and responsibility. I am thankful I had the opportunity to home school you during first grade. We enjoyed awesome discussions and I got to really learn who you are growing up to be. I am so excited to see the wonderful things in you change as you mature and discover. I pray your unwavering faith continues to grow and motivate your pure and compassionate heart, and I pray I continue to grow into the kind of Mom you need.
are my first… I know what it’s like to be the first-born. Thank you for growing with me as I learn how to be your Mom… I love you.
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