Happy Birthday George!

Seven years ago today, I was having a delightful, laid-back day in Hawaii.  Josh was at work, Jack was not yet two, we had new friends over for a play date, I was baking pumpkin bread.  I felt a little strange, called my midwife and found out there was no doubt we would be welcoming a new baby by that night!  I denied it - I didn't FEEL like I was in labor!  It was too peaceful! 

That entire pregnancy and even labor itself (other than the last hour and a half) was a picture of what life with our George would be like.  Restful.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again:   God knew I needed George in my life!  In a family with four boys, three of them being extroverted and needing to be kept occupied and stimulated most of the day, God knew I needed my gentle George.  He continues to be able to play independently for hours at a time.  I still have yet to hear the words, "I'm bored," come out of his mouth.  And sadly, often times I get to the end of a day, hugging him at night and realizing I haven't interacted with him one-on-one very much.  Josh and I are both making a point to not let that happen! 

George has a smile and twinkle in his eye that can melt any heart, but he is selective in who he reveals that to.  He's a pretty cheerful kid, and while he enjoys having one friend to play with at a time, he is pretty content to be at home with his family. 

George has been terrified of dogs for most of his young life...all the while loving to read about dogs or hug his stuffed dogs and dreaming about the day he would have a dog of his own!  Well, his dream came true when we brought Hattie home and George continues to be one of the most loving and attentive of the kids to her. 

This year, we were so proud of him, as he stepped out of his comfort zone and decided to play T-ball.  This was not easy for him - joining a large group of strange kids, to be coached by adult strangers!  But after the first practice, he no longer needed mom in the dugout with him and did a GREAT job! 

George continues to love all things to do with nature.  He is a bird watcher extraordinaire (even came upon a pair of nesting road runners at Jack's baseball game the other day!) and delights in all the beautiful details of God's creation!  He moves a little slower than his brothers, which allows him to be able to see things that all of us miss.  This is such a gift to his whole family! 

He is enjoying his first grade year at home and his favorite subjects are art and our bird study - no surprise there! 

Lord, thank you for the gift of our sweet George!  Thank you for his gentle nature, even though he is all boy and loves to explore your world!  Thank you for the wonder he still embraces and how much he teaches us every day.  Grow him into a boy who follows whole-heartedly after You!  Bless him this year as a seven-year old!