I have a 7 year old!!!!

My sister-in-law, Hannah, asked Nate and I "Wow! So how does it feel to have a seven year old?" Boy did that make me feel old - of course I got married right out of college - it was the next thing to do after getting a diploma right? And then two years later what's next? Have a baby! I love being a mom & you know how that first born is for you! Seven years have gone by and I have dedicated my time and energy to watching that precious boy grow and learn and love. I use to write in his journal at each new stage in his life "I love this stage more then any other...you are so much more fun and exciting." But I kept writing that - that's how it is I guess with your children. They are always teaching you more about yourselves and life as you mold them and then sit back and watch how they explore life. Seven year old boys though- this is a different stage altogether. He doesn't need me anymore hovering over him, brushing his teeth, (please Eli brush the back ones!) sitting on the floor playing little toys with him. Now he reads to me, wants me to admire his artwork he's spent so much time working on, needs me to boost his confidance when he's nervous, cheer him on at soccer, encourage him as he tries new things that he's never done. Instead of telling him "no no no" as I would a 2 year old, I'm now discussing how to treat friends and consider their feelings on the playground. I'm praying that the groundwork Nate and I've laid the last six years will be solid for him as he goes to school, deals with social issues on his own, interacts with other adults (away from my earshot) and makes decisions to do the right thing. He still has so much learning to do & the crazy thing about this age I'm learning is that they don't always want to be independent and mature. (not that they would admit that to us) But they'll be laughing with friends one minute then crying the next because of emotions they can't explain. That is the hard part for me. He likes strudels for breakfast for two weeks then he can't stand them & says he'll throw up if he has to finish it! ???? Oh, Eli! Can I believe he is seven years old? NO! But I love this stage more then ever! He can talk to me, ask me questions about life and God, take pride in what he accomplishes but yet learn the concept of humility as well. Happy Birthday my sweet Eli -