I can hardly believe my baby boy is seven! Judd is funny, sensitive, smart, tender-hearted and loving. He loves his family, friends, Legos, ipod games, football, and baseball. He is a jokester. He is extremely thoughtful and giving, and loves to leave notes and drawings for his family. He loves math (and is very good at it), and is good at reading also. I love this boy!

Judd,

I’ve been watching you closely lately.  This 7th year of your life has been a beautiful one, but one that has allowed me to glimpse the beginning of a journey.  You have always been my youngest dude, my sweet baby boy, my handsome.  And while you aren’t hitting your teen years, I can see a little bit of the young man you will be.

You are smart. Don’t ever forget that smart is cool.

If I was given a list of qualities I might gift to you, at the top would be kindness. Kindness wins. I want you to know I think that kind heart makes you special.  I think it makes you stronger.  The people around you deserve the gift of kindness that you choose to give. Whether you are comforting a friend, picking something up for someone, holding a door open or offering a kind word, it all matters.

Even at six, you knew right from wrong. I know it won’t always be easy. Standing up for someone when you see they need it, being the one of your friends that chooses a different path – I’m asking a lot of you, but I know you can do it. Trust yourself.

Right now, at seven, you come to me with everything.  If you get in trouble at school, if you make a bad decision, if you are mean to your sister, you confide in me.  I realize as you get older, turning to me and your Dad may not always seems as easy, but know this, we will always be here for you, no matter what. We WANT you to come to us – with questions, with worries, with concerns. We are here to protect and guide you – forever.

My goal has always been to be the best Mommy, the best teacher, you could have. You love purely, you give unconditionally and play hard with all of your heart.

Did I mention I don’t want you to grow up?  That I don’t want you to ever stop snuggling with me at night or early in the morning? That I hope you won’t ever be embarrassed to run and jump in my arms in celebration after winning a game? Happy 7th birthday, my sweet guy…. I love you very, very much.