This kid of mine is 7 years old today.  You’ll have to forgive the predictable banter about how I can’t believe my baby has grown up this fast.  Seriously, he’s 7?  This kid that made me a father for the very first time is FREAKING 7 years old?  Unbelievable.

Now that we got that out of the way…  Let me tell you about this unbelievable 7 year old.  Ryan is the kid that makes people that hate other kids start liking kids.  Did you catch that?  He’s a kid that will convince childless couples that they should hurry home and start making kids.  Of course I should warn them, that Ryan is a rare breed.  Not the typical 7 year old boy.

What makes him different?

I’m so glad you asked, for starters he’s sensitive to others.  There are the occasional exceptions in regards to his little brother, but mostly he’s a great listener and really has a passion for connecting with other kids and adults.  Secondly, he’s smart in ways that aren’t normal for 7 year olds.  He’s that kid that just started reading one day and is now a fluent reader of all things, and is taken with the great gift of actually WANTING to learn.  Then you can throw in the fact this this kid is just so darn handsome (not taking credit, not taking credit, not taking credit.)  He is also the most creative person in our house.  Whether it be with trash, paper, colored pencils, crayons, markers, or dirt; he makes a work of art every time.  That’s why I love the picture from above.  For his birthday he got some 3-D sidewalk chalk, and has proceeded to turn our driveway into his own personal masterpiece.  It even rained the first night, and no worries.  He was out there first thing in the morning to replace it all with a few little changes here and there.  Finally he’s a good friend to those that know him.  His naive little spirit cannot wrap his brain around why someone would ever be mean to another person.  He has such a sweet, sweet spirit towards his friends.

Ryan has been an exceptional 1st grader this year, and is one of the last in his class to turn 7.  It’s a big day for this 7 year old.  It’s a big day for us, too.

Happy Birthday Ryan!