I blinked, and you're 7.

Dear Micah,

I blinked and it happened. You turned 7. No matter how hard I try to keep you from aging on me, you continue to do so. I asked you how you felt about turning 7 last night before bed, and you said "I'm kinda sad about not being 6 anymore." That made me smile, buddy. I think it's so great you have some semblance of nostalgia about your 6th year of life that you aren't over the moon excited about growing another year. (It reminds me that you also relayed your slight sadness over school being over and missing your teacher/classmates and the 5th graders on your bus). And now here we are, done with 1st grade, and moving on to 2nd in the fall. Second grade for sure sounds old. I think each grade will sound old when it comes to you because you're our pioneer buddy - you're the one who paves the way for your siblings and helps us see what to look forward to and where to hold reservations. Thank you for being so brave and taking on that role in the family without hesitation.

Speaking of school, 1st grade was a good year for you! You were gone ALL.DAY.LONG and that was a lot for me. It's the longest you had ever been gone from me and it took a bit of adjusting, but we made it! You had a great teacher this year who had her hands quite filled with your chatty class, but you had so many of your buddies in your class and I'm so happy you did. Your love of learning continued to grow this year and we watched you really excel in math. You are so bright kiddo - both your mommy and daddy have some math skills and you for sure are succeeding in that area as well - 99% on MAP testing all year long. I was even able to work with you and a small group of your classmates at school this year and I was quite impressed by your math abilities. Now if we could just get an increase in reading interests and we'd be all set 😏.

I will say there has been one reading development this year...you and Daddy have begun a nightly tradition of reading Harry Potter together before bedtimes 4-5 nights a week. It's been fun to find a story line you enjoy and also provides some bonding moments with you and Daddy that isn't sports or Marvels related 😉. You guys even FaceTimed last week while Daddy was gone for work to continue your nightly routine which made my heart happy. In addition to the reading for bonding moments, you have continued your love of sports which has made us all quite happy  (as there's no secret that both your parents are quite the sports enthusiasts!) Soccer and basketball top your list right now, as you desire to become professional athletes in both sports when you grow up 😊.

Last to share with you is your relationship with your siblings. I truly feel like much has stayed the same as last year. You and Reid still have a love/hate relationship that consists of laughter, fighting, whining and then laughter again. You and Gemma truly have a sweet bond, as she looks up to both of her brothers, but she also has a way of driving you crazy as I can imagine little sisters do, haha. At the end of the day though buddy, you are so so sweet to both of your siblings and would do anything for them. You are quick to make sure they're ok if they're crying or get hurt and you have moments where you just want to hug them and love on them. You have a big heart Micah and you've really grown up this year.

Probably our favorite thing to do is snuggle 😍. I just love it so much and feel like it brings us closely connected for just a few minutes of the day before the crazy ensues. Please always want to snuggle your mama, no matter how old you get! You're so special to me, Micah. You'll always be the one who made me a real-life Mama and I'm so thankful it was you! I love you to the moon and back sweet boy. Happy 7th birthday to my tooth-loosing, crazy 2nd grader (to-be)!

Love,
Mommy

(dr stats: height - 4'2.5", 88%; weight - 55.5lbs, 71%; BMI - 44%)

Bye-bye 1st grade!

And just like that he's off to 2nd grade. I don't know why, but 2nd grade just feels so much older than 1st...tho I know I'll say that again next year when we're in the same position. Micah's had such a great year and I've seen him really come out of his shell in his class. Sometimes not in the best way (poor Mrs. Newman and her talkative group!) but he really formed some good little friendships in his class and it's been fun to watch him grow. I'm also excited that Reid will be at the same school with Micah next year - that makes it feel even more real...like my boys are really growing up!

The littles decided to buy small bouncy balls today and gave one to each of the kiddos getting off the bus with the phrase "hope you enjoy bouncing in to summer" lol. I just love it - yay summer!!

End of Preschool for Reidees!

And just like that, my middle is done with preschool...next up Louise White and Kindergarten! It's hard to believe that next year he'll be at the same school with Micah and that Gemma will be in preschool herself. As I've said many times before, I sure wish there were a way to put a pause button on some times in space or just slow things down. I know most parents probably feel this way at some point in their journey. We have entered a little bit of an easier stage as of late, getting out of the baby-need-naps-every-day-can't-stay-up-late schedule, and it's for sure a bit freeing! It would be nice now though if that time piece could slow down a bit while the kids still like us and aren't embarrassed by their mom and dad 😉. It's not though and with that, I've accepted that sweet Reid is moving on.

What a blessing this year has been for him. He's just flourished in school this year and created so many amazing memories. Mrs. Holmes and Immanuel Lutheran has been just the best thing for him the past two years and I feel eternally grateful for such a great place for him. Christian and I both agree that there is a part of us that is truly sad with him leaving his school and moving on to a public school. Reid's come home and told us so much about Jesus and the Bible and what he's learned. His teachers have loved on him and their love for Christ has been evident in everything they do and it has transferred over to the kids. Not having that next year leaves us filling a little empty and sad, tho we know he will do just fine. We are thankful for the friendships and education he's had this year and also thankful Gemma will be starting that journey next year.

So without further ado, I present you with our newest kindergartner in the Lauffer household. Congratulations Reid Daniel! You have had an amazing year. Mrs. Holmes has mentioned how much you like to participate, how the girls are "sweet" on you, how smart you are, and how empathetic you are towards your fellow friends in the class. Truly, I can't ask for anything more than that buddy. You have made Mommy and Daddy SO proud this year and we just love you to pieces.

Half-marathon, baby!

I'm so super proud of Christian for completing his first half marathon in 4 years. That's after battling strep that came on with flu like symptoms a mere 3 days ago. You see, Christian doesn't love running but desires to try and understand my passion so puts himself through pain to connect with me. That's true love. And watching his kiddos congratulate him, heart melting. Congrats babe! We are so proud! Can't wait til Chicago in the fall 👊.

Celebrating Micah!

We got to celebrate our eldest today with a "plan b" party that ended up turning out pretty "sweet" (in the words of our 7yr old). You see, Mother Nature has a thing for Micah and his birthday parties every.single.year. (I apologize to anyone else that had outdoor plans today during the monsoon! The Lauffer's take full credit😬, tho the sun did come out within 15 min of the party ending 🙄🤦🏼‍♀️). So late last night Christian and I are putting together an indoor Olympic "heptathlon" for our sports loving boy and his friends. Christian said that if we ever go in to party planning business, we should call ourselves "Plan B Parties" because we've gotten so good at it, except that no one would want to hire us, lol. 

Despite losing out on games at the park, the kids seemed to have a blast (and the parents are now exhausted 😴.) Micah was the most excited I think I've ever seen him around friends. He was truly happy and said it was the best party EVER and it just made my heart so happy seeing him so happy. Parenting continues to remind me of how God might feel looking down on us, his children. When we're so happy, He is happy, and it brings him such joy and contentment. What a beautiful picture. 

Happy [early] 7th birthday Micah! We love you so much. And thanks to all his friends that came to help us celebrate him today. We are so blessed!