SEVEN!

Dear Bode,

Wow. I can't believe that we are here, starting your SEVENTH year.  When you were a baby, Aunt Dawnie told me that this day would be here before I knew it.  I remember when she told me, and me thinking something like, "Okay, stop. I don't need to think about him being 7 when he is just a baby in my arms. I love this guy so much RIGHT NOW and that's all I want to think about:  NOW, not years from now."  But here we are. (she was right)

You are emotional, artistic, happy, silly, and fair. You are up and down every 5 minutes emotionally, especially around me.  You are prone to outbursts of shouting and tears when you don't get something the way you want it (the right shirt, a missing toy, a (wanted) drink...anything can set you off). You are particularly emotional around me.  And I sometimes don't know how to deal, or don't have the emotional bandwidth to deal, with your frustration.  I'm still learning.  Seven years and I'm still figuring out how to react to your reactions.  We have learned that you are indeed a growing boy and so most emotional outbursts are a cry for food or drink.  Sometimes you can be sated with a snack or water. You have started at a new school where you go for hours longer than you ever have (in a classroom!). You are learning the new ways of a school and the people that inhabit it.   I have to remember what a big day you've had: how you have sat, how you have 'lined up,' how you have listened and followed the rules.  I have to remember that you  are depleted by the time I pick you up from school. And yes, you have to let off some steam, and that is why I am here. I am the safe place.  So instead of feeling annoyed, I should feel honored and loved.

In your down time, you love to color and paint.  You work through so many reams of paper, and so much color, creating.  You like to make up silly monster characters that are not mean or scary, but silly and happy.  You like to make books and 'read' the stories to your family. You love to sing made-up songs and tell stories that are in your head. Most of them are silly and make me laugh.

You love your sister and brother.  Most of the time, you all play together so well.  You have stories to tell and your sister and brother follow the plot lines well. Sometimes, there are kicks and shoves in the back seat.  Sometimes, you are tired and you like to annoy Gianna by leaning on her and repeating, "I'm so tired, I'm so tired," while she squirms and tries to push you off of her car seat.  Sometimes you don't have respect for personal space. But you are always fair and you do what's right when it comes down to it. I'm proud of you for being a good person to your brother and sister. 

You have lost...8 (?) teeth so far.  You currently have 2 loose teeth and you're so happy to  be 'ahead' of Gianna in the loose tooth department. Every time you smile, I'm blown away when I see those big teeth, front and center. Who is this big guy?  When I swing Nico around, you say, "Swing me! Swing me!" and I have to tell you that you are too big for me to pick up. You are always sad when I say that to you. But you know what? -- it makes me more sad to tell  you that I can't pick you up and swing you around anymore.

You did not want a birthday party this year.  We have asked that you consider having a birthday party and you are thinking about it. I am hopeful that after a few more months in your new school, you will have a couple of friends and feel happy in your class.  

You are entering the big leagues, my love. Seven just seems like a stepping stone to 10 to me, and I'm worried about how fast this is going to go.  But what I do know is that you like to take things slow and easy. Hopefully the fast train on "7" in a new school won't be too hard on you. We love you so much and will do everything to help you stay the happy, smart, and peaceful guy that we love. Happy 7th birthday, Bode Wm.

Love, 

Mommy

xo