9

My baby is 9 today.  I don't like it a bit!  He's half way to being an adult.  Thats terrifying and completely unreal.  I was looking at some old pictures and videos of Ben and its crazy how much hes the same kid and at the same time he's a totally different guy.  He still loves to cuddle with anyone available (even his siblings), his stuffed animals are some of his best friends and he's happy to curl up on the couch with a blanket and a cartoon.  He's also the kid who took charge and woke up crazy early for six weeks to do swim team, hes a natural leader to his siblings and he is a master at memorizing every piece of useless information he comes into contact with!
Ben is my "Ferdinand." He is who he is.  He likes to be called crazy or silly and he doesn't care what anyone else thinks.  He is sensitive and caring.  Hes definitely a lover not a fighter, but he's not afraid to tell it like it is. Hes a huge helper with the little ones and has more patience than I could ever find. He's my sweet, baby boy...who is now 9.

We surprised the kids last night by waking them up at midnight and heading to Dunkin Donuts to get the birthday celebration started.  They loved it, except for Sam, who fell asleep!