It's Been Seven Years

I remember this like it was yesterday... There is NOTHING like the day your first child is born. 

Sam and Emily's Wedding - That beautiful bald head. :)

Our Christmas Elf - One Year Old

A wedding we went to - Our dapper little man!  I don't think we could get him in a suit coat now if we paid him!

Finally - A BIG Brother

Silly little guy...

Braden has always LOVED his daddy - This was at Olivia's baptism.

A family trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum - he's losing those baby cheeks.

The mini-teenager

A BIG Brother and a BIG Sister - Just after Norah was born.

He was so proud of Olivia - at her Preschool Graduation

1st day of 1st Grade - So grown up!

Seven Years Old... Where has the time gone?

I cannot believe that Braden is SEVEN.  I don't feel old enough to have a seven year old. I have such a fear of my children growing old and not being "mine" anymore and seven seems much closer to that mystery age ... I'm not quite sure when that hits.  :)

Seven things I'm loving about Braden - November 2011

1. He has always loved books.  He loved being read to when he was little, he looked through books when he couldn't read and now he's reading them!  Thankfully he also still loves to listen because reading as a family is one of our favorite past times.  Braden can often be found up past bedtime with books piled high on his bed.

2. Braden has appeared to find his groove at school.  This year has been night and day compared to last year. I do attribute some of it to his wonderful teacher but I think even more of it is because of HIM.  He is working hard and really growing.  Homework time thus far is a joy (it's a special mommy/Braden time) not a burden and he beams when he is able to show us what he has learned and accomplished.

3. He can become so immersed with building legos that he doesn't hear me talking right next to him.  Although this can be quite frustrating at times - I also love that he is so passionate about it.  I'm amazed at what his creative little mind comes up with.

4. When Braden feels loved he LOVES back times ten!  He is such a passionate boy.  When we adorn him with our love and sincere praise we are greeted by a boy who will bend over backwards to show you love, give of himself and help anyone around.

5. Braden is still a snuggler.  He asks nightly for Steve and I to lie with him in bed and snuggle. I should really take advantage of this more because it's the best time to talk.  He opens up and snuggles right in.  His favorite thing is to ask for tickle fingers which are just light fingers on his back.  I know that someday this will end but i certainly hope it doesn't end anytime soon.  Nothing says I love you like a snuggle.

6.  He tries at sports even though they may not be his favorite thing.  If left to his own accord Braden would play wii and legos all day long - any maybe sprinkle a TV show in there.  Steve and I think sports are an important part of life - they keep us physically healthy and teach wonderful life lessons about working as a team and hard work in general.  Despite his hesitation which often creeps up on the way to an event he jumps in, tries hard and has a great time.  One of my favorite things to watch is soccer.  He runs up and down the field with his HUGE smile on his face.

7. Braden has taken responsibility for his morning routine without many reminders.  We do have mornings that don't go as well but for the most part he is really growing into a responsible boy.  He wakes up, makes his bed, brushes his teeth, gets dressed and throws down his clothes, feeds Magnus if it's his day, gets his snack and packs up his backpack. I think for a seven year old that's pretty awesome!!

I am so proud of Braden and where he is in life.  Happy Birthday Buddy.