ted's 9th birthday

Ted is NINE today! I can hardly bring myself to say that. He's halfway to being out from under our roof (hopefully). As long as some of these days (and years) have been, they seem like a blink of an eye in reality. I mean, 9 years ago today he was 4 pounds nothing and looking like this:

Today we wear the same size shoes and share socks. And he's handsome as all get out.

So, some highlights of Ted's 8th year:

way more independence and freedom around the neighborhood and at YL camp
a lot of transitions in teachers for 2nd and 3rd grade but he adapted well
fall baseball (kid pitch), catching and improving a lot

a profession of faith

lots and lots of questions that help him learn more

no more carseats

working on his love language of "quality time"

followed by a close second of "words of affirmation"

learning and appreciating strategy games

enjoying reading slightly more

loving being outside and playing any sort of sport

his healthiest year yet - we paid his deductible in SEPTEMBER!

imessage, ipod and spotify

piano lessons

staying up later to watch monday and thursday night football

When people ask me about Ted, I tell them that he's a good kid. He has a bit of a temper and gets frustrated easily. We're learning to have some self-control in that. He does not love school, although he doesn't hate it. He would much rather be playing some sort of sport outside any day over being inside even watching tv, playing video games or practicing his piano. He likes to talk. He asks LOTS of questions all the time. He loves to learn more. He's not much of a reader. He is learning to not follow the crowd so much. He loves sneakers and rarely wears anything else. He values comfort over style any day when it comes to running pants and gym shorts. We talk a lot when we snuggle in the evenings. He still tells on himself a lot. Ted loves a good adventure. He has a really tender heart. He's sweet and kind when he wants to be.

9 years of Ted:

Happy 9th Birthday, Pal! We are so proud of you.