Happy (Very Belated) Birthday, Andrew!

I'm very delinquent in posting this post.  Andrew's birthday was last month and I didn't want it to go unmentioned.  I can't believe my firstborn is nine years old!  I feel like somehow the last few years have been in fast forward mode.  His birthday this year fell on the weekend right after school ended so he invited a few friends to go bowling and play laser tag then back to our house for some late night swimming and a sleepover.  Then on his actual birthday we spent some quality family time together and went to dinner at one of his favorite restaurants Cristina's.  

So now a little about Andrew these days.  He is measuring in at 4'10.  Our prediction is that he will top out around 6'7.  His shoe size is an adult 8 1/2.  It's like a puppy with big feet!  Personality wise he is definitely my debater.  He can argue about anything and everything, even if he is in total agreement with you!  His temperment is melancholy.  He's very analytical and is my deep thinker.  I see so much of myself in him and yet there's so much about him that I just don't understand.  Andrew has the most compassionate heart of any kid his age I know.  I think it plays in with his melancholy-ness, because he is able to identify with others' feelings and put himself in their shoes.  I often wonder how much of this is innate and how much is circumstance.  When my mom died, Andrew definitely took the brunt of my emotions.  I felt very strongly that it was okay for him to see me cry and to know that it was okay to be sad.  He was very close to my mom also, and I wanted him to know that grieving was healthy.  I don't regret it for one moment because I feel that that contributed to his empathetic spirit toward others.  As for his current interests, he loves all things "boy".  He is a Star Wars fanatic (still) and LOVES legos.  He would build legos all day long if he could!  He loves to read - especially non-fiction and loves science.  He is playing soccer again this fall.  He began playing goalie in the spring and absolutely loved it so hopefully that will continue into the fall.  Andrew's love language is quality time and gifts.  His ideal day would be to spend it with Paul and I going to lunch at his favorite restaurant and then heading to either Toys R Us or Barnes and Noble to buy him whatever he wanted - haha!

I am so proud of the young man he is becoming.  Happy Birthday, Andrew!!