07.08.09

My funny friend Katie Lou once vowed aloud to photograph her December baby in ANYTHING but red velvet. ANYTHING. Katie Lou, a December baby herself, comprised albums heavy w/ red velvet dresses. My late-Oct. birthday? I, myself, had one or two costume parties.
For my baby boy who was due and born just days after Independence Day?
At 8 a.m.?
On a Monday?
There will always be fireworks.
Cake plates and napkins with stars and stripes.
Party favors of glow necklaces and sparklers.
There will probably be sand.

There will be beach breezes.

Suntans and blond hair.

Powdered donuts and cupcakes w/ sprinkles for breakfast on the beach.
Ice cream man!
Jeep rides.
Outdoor showers.

Outdoor showers WITH fireworks exploding overhead?? (Well, your mommy thought THAT was damn cool.)

You are funny and you are fearless.
You are 53 pounds of sweet stubbornness.
You have always been big according to those outdated growth charts at your pediatrician's office. But, you are still small to me.
You surround yourself with friends but you are content to be alone.
You love your dog.
You love your mother.
Some days ... in that order.
You need your brother.
Your Dad? You're his biggest fan.
You have big shoes to fill.
We'll help you fill them.

All you have to do is ask.
Because if we suggest it? You're never ready.
You love music.
Live music.
Loud music.
The idea of being ON TV.
You love clothes.
New clothes.
Cool clothes.
And shoes?
You bet.
Be still my heart!

The possibilities are endless.
Those waves seem huge when you're The Short One.
But you take 'em all on.
With the yellow key.
The fastest one.
Since ... as long as I can remember.
Skipping all the steps.
From start alllll the way to the finish.
No in-between.
"Mommy, do kids ever skip grades in school?"
"Yes, I suppose they do. Why?"
"Well, I want to skip a grade."
"What grade would you skip to?"
"The LAAAAAAST one."
Like I said.
From start to finish.
All at once.
Just take your time.
Because seven years seems like last week.
Or last night.

Happy 7th Birthday!!
Seven is SUCH a lucky number.