Owen is 7!

Owen,

How in the world are you 7?  We love watching you grow up and can't wait to continue seeing you develop more and more into the person God created you to be.  You are so uniquely and wonderfully made and God has such great plans for your life sweet boy.

You are still obsessed with all things Batman.  So, for your birthday, we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than going to see the new Lego Batman movie.  Your 3 best buds Leo, Joe, and Charlie were there who also live right down the street from us, as well as all of your cousins, brothers, Aunt Janna, Aunt Jeralyn, MawMaw, PawPaw, and Mimi.  You had a Batman and Joker cake, got so many new Batman Legos, a remote control car, PJ's, and clothes.  We all had such a great time celebrating you.  

 

This year you are in 1st grade.  You are in Mrs. Barr's class this year and you love her so much.  She is such a great teacher who is so patient with you.  You are going to Mrs. Bea for reading, writing, and math as well as Mrs. Godby for language therapy.  You also are getting extra help with occupational therapy and writing in a tutoring type of setting.  We have seen so much growth from you emotionally and academically and although you have a long way to go, we are all on your team and know you will reach your full potential.  

You have such a sweet spirit about you.  When you come home from school, you will bring me rocks, flowers, a sweet note you made at school, or any other object you found along your walk home that made you think of your mom and dad.  It is also pretty amazing to watch you form your own personal relationship with Jesus.  

Everyone you meet is your friend and you will really talk to anyone.  It is so funny to tell people you have autism, because when they first meet you it is impossible to tell.  That is why autism is called a spectrum disorder because kids fall on both sides of the spectrum.  You definitely have no problem making friends and will play with anyone.  It is hard for you to share and you always want to be the leader, but part of this might also have something to do with you being the oldest child. 

You played tee ball in the Spring, but decided you didn't want to do it anymore.  So, we tried out Cub Scouts and you LOVE it.  Since you love everything about nature, camping, and hands on activities, this is a perfect way for you to learn and interact with other kids your age.  I have started to teach you piano, and you loved it for a while, and now decided you don't want to learn anymore.  You are naturally talented at music, but we don't want to push you to do too much right now since we don't want you to get too overwhelmed.  So, I think if I wait another year to start teaching you, you will definitely be ready.

Your favorite things to play are Legos, magnet blocks, you love your stuffed cat, and honestly you will turn any other random household item into a toy.  Your imagination is so active and we are so amazed at the things you come up with.  It also is so fun to see the random objects always lined up in rows or meticulously put away. 

You love to eat pizza, pancakes, and sweets.  You would seriously eat candy all day if we would let you.

Buddy, we are so blessed to be your parents.  Your brothers look up to you and love you so much too.  Not a day goes by that we don't thank God for sending you to us.