The big guy you see below used to be my baby. He was my first baby and now he is eight.
Jonathan loves to create. He has always been a child with so so many ideas and options for how to make things work. He makes lego masterpieces, writes stories, makes up games, and the list could go on and on. Watching him create and listening to his enthusiasm for his newest project is one of my great joys.
Last year he liked reading, this year he has begun to love reading. His favorite books are all of the Boxcar Children series books which it seems he has read multiple times each. He also loves to read anything relating to dogs... as long as there is not a sad ending (lesson learned on that one - he now asks me if the ending is good with every new book).
As the fall approached, I thought that one more year of soccer would be fun for him (before kids starting doing leagues that require lots of commitment). However, when I asked him about it he was certain: he did NOT want to play soccer. "I like to swim so can't I just do that?" Sure thing, kid. He has also asked about golfing so we have headed to the course on several beautiful Saturdays this fall to hit some balls and play around a bit.
Have I mentioned that this boy can EAT? I have had multiple dinner guests be amazed at how much food that little body can put away. The kid who used to be picky likes so many things that it's hard for me to think of what his few favorites would be. For his birthday he wanted flank steak, garlic toast, and green beans.
He has always been a leader, a strong personality. In the past two years I have watched him show such kindness to younger kids or those who are a little more timid. I love to see him growing in this area and loving those around him. As we started talking about updating our home study for the possibility of another adoption, he said, "I think having a family with lots of kids will be fun."
He asks amazing questions and makes observations about the world around him that are insightful and thought-provoking. He makes connections about things he learns and what is happening in his world that make conversations both very interesting and challenging.
One of my favorite thoughts from him this year was on a sheet that asked questions and he was to describe himself: What is the best thing about you? "I am not like anyone else." was his response.
This year he loved reading his cards and really loved the humor in some of them. One of them made he and Caleb laugh and laugh and laugh.
Jman, we love seeing you learn and grow. We absolutely love to spend time with you and can't wait to see what this year will bring! We love you up to the moon and back (a million trillion times).
