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%)

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! 

A whole hand old! (Happy Birthday Reid!)

Dear Reid,

I blink and we're here again - celebrating yet another of you turning older. It doesn't seem to matter what I do, you continue to grow up and get older and now you are a whole hand ✋.  I feel like I am writing some of the same thing every year Reid, but that's because it's the truth. You have a smile that is so infectious and lights up a room. You have the ability to make anyone's grumpiness and disappear with your sweet laugh and big personality that just loves life. Your giggle is fantastic and I'm so glad that hasn't disappeared as you're getting older. What a joy it is to be your momma and watch you grow. You are independent and stubborn and loving and ever so thoughtful.

Year 5 has been fun, Reid, and I can't believe this means that in a few short months you'll be heading out the door to go to kindergarten (someone hold me, please!). You have been in preschool 4s this year, and are so smart and bright. Your teacher comments how smart you are and how you are a leader in the classroom. She also said that the girls are sweet on you. "There's just something about Reid" she'll say. "All the girls want to be friends with Reid." and I find that to be ever so true sweet boy. You have a soft spot for these girls in your life, and treat them with such respect and honor (as much as a 4, now 5 year old can)! I love watching your friendships develop and Mrs. Holmes is right, you are a leader. I see that in the classroom and also when you play at home. Maybe not so much with Micah and his friends, but with Gemma and your own friends, you like to lead, but not in a bossy way which I think is a good sign.

Speaking of your siblings, man alive Reid, you and Gemma have really become best buds this year. Poor Micah is gone all.day.long at school and therefore you and Gemma have the chance to grow your sibling bond. You guys are always playing something creative, and she looks up to you so much Reid! My prayer for you is that you always guide her in a positive direction and help her to understand how valued she is by you, her family, and God. I pray you are the best big brother example she can have because the love between you two is so deep and rich. And Micah. You and Micah have a different type of relationship that consists of playing together, fighting, whining, playing together. You love each other so much...always giving him hugs and kisses on his way out the door and running to him when he gets off the bus. You certainly miss his being around during the day (although I'll admit I appreciate the moments of peace and quiet🙊) and are ever so grateful for him coming back home, even if only for 5 minutes before the fighting might ensue. My prayer for you two is that you continue to learn how to play together peacefully and soaking in the precious advantages to having a brother close in age with you.

You are such a delight Reid and we love you so much. You love to ride your bike (now on an 18in!), look at the days on your calendar, check out the weather, build with magna tiles (and boy are you good!), help mommy in the kitchen and really where ever you can add value. You love having a job or task to do that makes you feel more grown up. You're a lover and a snuggler who is also loud and sometimes quite feisty. You add such joy and happiness to our life Reid, and we're so grateful for you. I hope you have enjoyed your 5th birthday ever so much and can't wait to see what this next year of life brings you sweet boy.

I love you to the moon and back, all over the world, to infinity and beyond, I love you, I love you.

Love,
Mommy

(dr. stats:height -

Celebrating Reidees!

Reid had a little friend Paw Patrol Paw-ty over the weekend and it was a smashing success (if I say so myself). We were so thankful to have a gorgeous day (which is super rare for a Lauffer birthday party celebration!) and the kids all seemed to enjoy the games and activities and food. It was so fun celebrating Reid and making him feel special, and I think he loved it which makes it all worth it!