Jared's parents came to town last Monday, so in the race to get our house ready I forgot about a blog post. Sorry! This week I'll pull double duty to report on Jack's birthday and baptism.
Jack turned 8! I can't believe it. We officially have a big kid on our hands. I'm sure every child is different, but around age 8 I have felt the shift from little kid to big kid. First grade and the beginning of second grade for Jack still felt quite sweet, innocent, and playful. At the end of second grade we have a big boy who is starting to outgrow playing with toys, would sometimes rather hide in his hoodie at a playground instead of playing, and is more aware of the ups and downs of life. If I were to interrupt him playing with friends out in the neighborhood, I think that would be received with embarrassment instead of joy haha. As a bigger kid I find Jack is picking up a more sophisticated sense of humor, can help with more jobs, and last night (daylight savings following a week of sugar highs and late nights with grandparents), he had a rough time staying asleep all night. The first time he woke up he came down to me so I could comfort him and get him back up to bed. The next time he woke up I heard him come down, get himself a cup of water, and take himself back to bed. This is a groundbreaking milestone.
We love Jack. He is kind, fun, smart, assertive, and resolute. This kid will do anything he sets his mind to in life. Jack has never been afraid to ask for what he wants, even from adults in his life like coaches or bus drivers. He doesn't get upset if the answer is "no" (well, unless the "no" is from his parents) but he will always ask. I am a more assertive person because of the time I have spent with Jack Lambert.
For Jack's birthday this year he asked to get a ride to school early so he could enjoy school breakfast. Jared had a half day so he took cupcakes to Jack's class in the afternoon. And then after school we met with cousins at an arcade and introduced Jack to Pizza Pie Cafe for dinner. I have never seen Jack eat so much--he was in heaven. When we got home we enjoyed an Oreo birthday cake and he opened presents: a new book series for our voracious bedtime reader, Zelda from grandparents, a laser tag set (big hit) and a basic electric scooter (another big hit). I do feel bad that a proper birthday party sort of got swept under the rug amidst the chaos of in-laws coming to stay for a week, and organizing Jack's baptism. But he's been a good sport about it.
Jack was baptized over the weekend. We had a sweet program, with a special musical number from my parents and Jack's cousins, and talks by Jared's mom and my brother Tim. I was especially touched that my Grandma Roper was able to give the opening prayer. After the baptism we went back to our home to host a little gathering of brunch finger foods for everyone who attended. It was wonderful to host so much family in our home who haven't been able to see it yet. Jared and I were thrilled at how well our home accommodated a large group of people mingling, with kids on all levels and playing outside. We are hoping to get a backyard put in next month, which will make entertaining even better.
I hear the kids waking up, but we had a truly wonderful week. Now for some pictures:
