My eldest child, my son E, turns 7 tomorrow. My, that sounds so old! We took him out to dinner tonight since we'll be busy with church tomorrow, and as he walked beside me, I marvelled at how tall he is--he's sprouted up to nearly my shoulder (and I'm not a shorty, at 5'8")!!

He's a great kid, and I'm proud to be his mama. He's wise in so many ways, yet still so innocent of the world, for which I'm grateful. He has turned into quite the reader--he loves to read by himself now that he can, which warms my heart--but will still try to climb onto my lap & ask me to read to him, even though he's all arms & legs now, and not so cuddly. He adores his baby sister (he calls her "Babe") and doesn't pay attention to much else if she's around. Oh, he drives me crazy most every day with his bad habits--don't think that I'm viewing him through rose-colored glasses just because it's his birthday! But allow this mama a few moments of bragging & going over memories! Hard to believe that 7 years ago tonight I was calling the doctor to say "I'm not sure, but I think it's time!" and asking my dear friend to rush back over to my house where she'd been only hours before--who knew that I was in for more than 12 more hours of labor?! And that when the squalling, scrunched-up, red-faced little guy was born, I wouldn't be overwhelmed with love like I hear most moms are, but would just think that he looked like a little bulldog--and that he wasn't a girl like I had been *sure* he would be?!!! Ah, but love grows, and continues to do so. We've been blessed.

Happy birthday, E. May God bless you with a wonderful day & may you know how incredibly special you are to Him, and to your Dada & me! We love you!