Update #3 - James

Well, believe it or not I am back again. Here is some info. on our James, the big brother extrodinaire.

James is in 5th grade. Jerry and I aren't really sure how that happened. Last thing we remember we were walking him into his first day of kindergarten. It seems we both blinked and our 1st baby is now BIG! This school year is off to a fantastic start. James is going above and beyond with his school work. He is just so darn smart! We are in awe of him.

Currently James has the highest reading level in school. That is mind-boggling. He took 5th grade Math last year, so this year they are doing all of these challenging and unique Math experiences with him. He really loves the challenge. He has read something like 12-14 books this first quarter in school. He generally has two books going at once... one at school and one at home. Our school has the Reading Counts program. James has earned over 400 points on this thing. His high points have earned him everything from trips to the library treasure chest to book fair gift certificates to lunch with the principal. His academic abilities are something we are just so overwhelmed by. (Jerry and I think intelligence skips a generation. Both of our fathers - super smart, Jerry and I - we get by.. James - super, duper smart.)

James also auditioned for Chorus at school and made it! He was in Chorus last year and really liked it. He also ran for Student Council and was elected as the representative for his class. Very cool! James is playing on a soccer team, too. He has decided to stop going to karate after 2 years. We are respecting his decision since he is just so busy with other activities right now.

Some other developments for James are causing his parents some sleepless nights. James is really growing and maturing. He is now 5'1" at 10 years old. He weighs right at 100lbs. His voice is starting to change, too. We noticed a few hairs above his upper lip. Jerry and I are NOT ready for James to be reaching puberty. James is handling it much better than his parents.

James is still a great big brother. He loves to take care of his siblings. He wishes Riley would give him more kisses, but Riley is Riley and will kiss no one on demand. James will change Madeline's diaper and give her a bath, just to take care of her. He is so very kind, caring and loving with everyone.

It is strange watching his interests grow and change. Last year he really didn't care one way or another about football, now he watches all weekend long... in between reading a quick chapter in his latest book. He wants a cell phone... not sure what we are going to do with that one. He has finally moved into his new room and LOVES it! He picked out everything in the room and it looks fantastic. He doesn't mind having Riley and Madeline IN his room as long as they stay off his bed. That is funny since Riley and Madeline want to climb all over his bed any chance they get!

James is one of those miracles you just can't believe you are fortunate enough to have in your life. He is the child Science said was virtually impossible to have. I spent my first trimester in bed with him. He was an only child for almost 8 years, yet took to being a big brother without hesitation. Jerry and I aren't really sure how we were so blessed with this big guy but we love every minute of our lives with him.

Happy Early Birthday, James! You have made the last almost 11 years amazing!!