seven!

Camden Lane, are you really SEVEN years old?! You are such a big kid. Your daddy and I cannot imagine our life without you.

God gave you to us when we were least expecting it, but we sure are glad He's in control and not us... otherwise we wouldn't have your sweet presence in our lives! What a wonderful gift you are.

Here's what you're up to at 7 years.

You are such a smart boy. I'm not just saying that because I'm your mama. You really are so smart. You are doing wonderfully in school. You have such a thirst for learning, which makes me so happy. You are always asking questions about things or asking how to spell a certain word. If we are at home and I haven't seen you in a while, it wouldn't be surprising to find you up in your room, sitting on the floor with a book. You are very good at math, which you totally got from your daddy. You are always asking us to "quiz" you with math problems, and you usually always get the answers right! Such a smart boy!!!

You continue to be our calm, shy, soft-spoken child. Anyone who sees you a lot (grandparents, aunts & uncles) might not really believe you are soft-spoken or calm, but for the most part, that's how we'd describe you. (When people you are very familiar with are around, you are goofy, funny, and very energetic.) When someone asks you a question, I often have to tell you to speak up so they can hear you. Most of your teachers who've had you over the years always agree that you're one of the quieter ones in the class, and all say you are just so sweet and helpful. It's so nice to never have to worry about your behavior at school!

You are such a great eater! I can certainly tell you are growing... often times you want seconds and thirds of whatever we are eating. A few weeks ago, you ate 4 pieces of pizza! You will also eat 2 or 3 hotdogs. For snacks, a bowl of goldfish isn't cutting it anymore. What am I going to do when I have 2 teenage boys in the house?!? You LOVE fruit. We often call you "fruit fly". You are also a great veggie eater for the most part (except carrots), which is every mother's dream. You also have quite the sweet tooth, thanks to yours truly.

(at the doctor for his annual checkup, showing off his "muscles")

You weigh 53 pounds and you are 48.5 inches tall. You have grown 3 inches since your last birthday, and you have gained 5 pounds since we were at the doctor in May! No wonder you'll eat 4 pieces of pizza!

I am looking so forward to see what this year holds for you! I love watching you grow up and LOVE being your mom. Your sweet spirit and giving heart is such a joy to be around. You are a delightful son, and such an amazing big brother!!! I really do not think we could be more proud of you.