As you might imagine, it has been a fantastic journey this life with Anders. The fact that he has turned seven simply amazes me. Seven seems like such a big kid age. In reality....there is a marked shift in his growth - socially and emotionally, as well as physically. I have had a lot to learn as his parent this year and I remain steadfast as his student, he as my teacher.
This is the very first year he has shown so much happiness about turning a year older. Most years he has been rather sad to leave the age he was, this was especially true when he turned 5 and 6, but this year ... only joy, pure joy. It was so wonderful to watch him experience such eagerness about his birthday and turning seven. He wouldn't zip his coat shut that day because he wanted to show off his number seven t-shirt - again a new experience to observe because clothing is not something he is conscious of.
Highlights of the year? Hmmm...watching as he navigates the social world more and more...balancing his need for time and space before jumping in to something, and finding that at times there is no time. I have learned so much about acceptance this year in relationship to this. Anders has always been slow to warm up to folks...he takes his time. Comfort and relationship are primary needs and if they are not there, a social curveball is thrown for him and he can hesitate to step firmly up and into things. (Some folks would call this shyness...I have learned to call it his style - when he is comfortable he is absolutley the farthest thing from shy) He is a very loyal and loving friend - qualities that are endearing. He has some stunning friendships and is the kind of kid who expresses love and gratitude for the folks he loves.
He hasn't been in a very good classroom this year and he is learning to navigate all sorts of things...mostly a classroom climate that is not conducive to building self-esteem, community, or healthy learning and it can be tough for kids to make sense of an environment like this. Luckily Anna and I have been in the vicinity to do damage control. And we are hoping he has a much better teacher next year. This is something about his seventh year that I won't forget. How as a mom to help navigate the world of public school.
Here are some characteristics of my son that I can easily name after seven years of watching him grow: He is physically very handsome, and very, very strong. He's agile and very good with his body - he loves gymnastics, climbing, riding his bike, scooting, and swimming. He is a fantastic example of someone who relishes delayed gratification. He saves things. Money, candy, gifts, etc. He can hold on to things that he truly loves to stretch out the experience. He is such a kind and sensitive boy. He's a real friend. He shares things he loves and empathizes with those in pain. He is an amazing big brother and loves his little brother so much. He is funny, loves humor, loves computers, loves tv, loves to scoot, loves to read, loves to hear stories and loves his family. He loves to play with animals, use his imagination, and be silly. He likes school...even if he doesn't have the best teacher.
Happy birthday Anders - you truly are the most loveable amazing kid in the whole wide world!
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