{seven years old}

Luke,

Seven years old is really agreeing with you. You know how we always say we wish we could freeze time and keep Katie a little baby forever because we just love her at this age? I kind of feel the same way about you right now, buddy. Since I can't, though, I thought I'd take a moment to jot down some of the things I love most about you at this age... things I want to remember about you at this stage of your childhood.

Luke, I want to remember how kind you are. You have such a good heart. You may lose your temper, but I don't ever see you intentionally hurting another's feelings. You are extremely sensitive.

I want to remember how full of energy you are. You are the only person I know who makes playing a video game or watching a movie an aerobic activity.

I want to remember how you have such interesting things to say on all sorts of subjects. The other night I went to your room to tuck you in and you asked me a question that led to a ten minute conversation about politics. I walked out of your room shaking my head in surprise at some of the points you made and questions you asked. Each one of your teachers from preschool to first grade has made the comment that you are a deep thinker. They all said exactly the same thing! I love that about you.

I want to remember how sweet you are to me. You aren't embarrassed to tell me how much you love me.  You still love to hug me and even sometimes hold my hand. It makes me sad to think of the day hopefully still far away when you won't want to do this anymore.

I want to remember how funny you are. You make us laugh. You often bring Katie to hiccups from laughing at her silly big brother. She adores you, Luke.

I want to remember the concentration you show when building with Legos, tackling a hard puzzle, or drawing.

I want to remember how literal you are. It sometimes cracks me and your dad up. You are new to baseball this spring and still learning all of the rules of the game. The coach caught on pretty quickly that you will do exactly what he asks you to do. :)

I want to remember how sometimes you are such a little man, but sometimes you are still such a little boy, unable to resist watching a cartoon that Drew has on or getting the giggles to a Laurie Berkner song.

I want to remember your impressive vocabulary. If I am reading aloud to you and you hear a word you aren't familiar with, you immediately stop me to ask what it means. You question me until it makes sense and then that word is forever in your vocabulary.

I am so proud of you, Luke. I try to tell you often and I hope you know it. You are a good kid and you make me love being your mom.

Love you, Lukey boy!