Monkey turns 7

My Little Monkey,

I love you.

For all that you are, and all that you do!

You're magical. And sweet.

Your smile makes life a treat.

You're playful, and such a delight.

You make me laugh, all day and night.

Whether you're glad, sad, silly or spunky...

You'll always be, my little monkey!

- book By Sandra Magsamen

Ah, what a bittersweet day. Today I have been a little teary - eyed, more than once, because it is my Ryker's 7th birthday. He is my youngest, my baby........but not a baby anymore.

I can't believe it. Where did the time go? How did this happen? One minute he's crawling, and the next he's running around and next he's singing along to The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars.

I'm writing this post late at night on his birthday because, quite frankly, I didn't want to think about today being his birthday. That would mean I would have to admit that he is growing up. I would have to think about what an amazing little boy he is. I don't want to realize how fast he's growing and how small the window I have with my kids really is.

But then I realize that one day I'm going to take all these blog posts and put them into books for each of the boys, and I am going to want Ryker to know what a caring and brilliant and wonderful boy he is. A boy that is strong and funny. A boy that I love and am so proud of.

Watching him with is dad cracks me up. Dad spoils him rotten and Ryker knows it. He knows just who to go to when he really wants something. And man, Ryker are you ever your dads mini me.....from his crazy curly hair to his infectious smile.

And boy can you giggle. When you get going, Ryker, it's just unstoppable. I really think you must be the happiest, silliest boy in the world.

And while you may have daddy's curly hair, you definately inherited a music gene from your mom. You can remember lyrics to songs like nobodies business and have a sense of rhythm that would make some people jealous.

And you are the most caring and generous child I have ever met. How does a 7 year old learn to be as compassionate as you are? I honestly think it was just something you were born with, because you have always been that way.

You've told me and your dad that you are going to live with us forever, and on days like today I really wish that were true, but selfishly, I wish you could live with us forever as you are now, not the grown up you.

Happy Birthday my little monkey. And thank you for all of the joy you have brought into my life; I would not be the same without you.

Thank you for all of the lessons that you have taught me. Thank you for all of the laughter and creativity and most of all, thank you for being you. I could not ask for a more wonderful child.