How old?

 Dear Nathan,   you are seven?  7?   (It almost hurts to write it.)    Because when I look into your eyes,  I still see my darling baby,   my bouncy toddler,   my always moving pre-schooler.   So who is this I see now?   You are always doing nice things for your little brother before he even asks,   giving me all the hugs and kisses I need,  helping Dad,  and of course,   tossing the football with your big brother.

You are learning so much,  and growing so fast.

You have changed in the last year,

and I delight in watching what God is doing in your heart.

Before we opened gifts,  Dad asked you what you wanted

to do for your birthday.

(He was thinking a bike ride,  or a trip to the park.)

You looked at me,  gave a slow smile,

and said,

"I want Mommy to have the baby."

That brought tears,  happy tears to my eyes.

"I wish I could safely have the baby tonight, too, dear!"

I replied.  "But it's just not the right time yet."

So we went out on the porch to open presents,

your second choice of activities for the evening.

So stay 7 for awhile now,  and enjoy your legos
for a good long time.  

Please?

Love,

Mom