Seven years ago today, right at lunchtime, you were born via emergency c-section. It was quite a dramatic entrance, and you continued to rock our world every day from that point on. Your seventh year of life has been no different. You have always challenged us as parents, but we love you SO fiercely, and are so proud of the person you are becoming!
This past year has been a huge one for you. Shortly after you turned six, you went from reading scattered words and phrases to really READING! And there was no looking back. You are not a huge bookworm, but reading comes to you with relative ease, and it's opened up a whole new world for you where you can read instructions, advertisements, menus, everything! This year you also decided that it was time to ride your bike. We've been working with you for YEARS but, in classic Niko fashion, you wouldn't learn until it was completely on your own terms. And then you mastered it in a few hours. Of course! From that point on, your independence has grown and grown. You asked me to teach you to tie your shoes one day, because you really wanted a new pair with laces-- and you learned in less than five minutes. When you are feeling motivated, nothing can stop you. It's really impressive!
You've grown in other ways, too, this year. You've stepped out of your comfort zone more and more, and have been willing to try things that you refused to consider before. You went on your first roller coasters! You decided that dogs were okay, and even went so far as to pet a few of them and declare that you wanted one (is this the same kid who used to scream in terror when a dog walked by on a leash??). One day, my jaw nearly hit the floor because you announced that you wanted to try a hamburger-- a food you had previously and repeatedly denounced as "disgusting." And, wouldn't you know... you LOVED it! You never cease to amaze us!
You continue to do well in school, and have adjusted to the full-day schedule surprisingly well. Despite the occasional fatigue-induced meltdown, you really love your teacher and enjoy being at school. Your teacher tells us that you are such a smart, well-mannered boy, and we love hearing that! You have a large group of boys who you enjoy playing with at recess, and you all get along great. You love playing sports, and soccer is your most recent passion. You amaze us with your speed and enthusiasm, and we anticipate many more fun soccer seasons ahead!
Physically, you've grown about four inches in the past year, and gained only a pound or two. You are stretching out! You've lost four teeth, including both of your top front ones. I won't lie-- I ADORE your gappy smile, and am almost sad that it will one day be gone. I ask you to smile at me several times a day, which I'm sure annoys you... But I just love it!
And while you are looking and acting like a big kid these days, you still sleep with your beloved Bear every night, and still love snuggles with both your mommy and daddy. And we'll take it while we can. You are an expert Lego builder, and can name every Pokemon, but you are still our baby boy. And we love you so, SO much.
Happy Birthday, Buddy!
All our love,
Mommy, Daddy, and Maya (Your #1 Fan!)
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