James is:
* A good sport. He loves playing games -- card games, board games, sports games, made up games -- and is great about winning and losing, although he may tear up if he get annihilated. He encourages everyone in the process and is always goading us to play another round or another game of some sort. He's a quick learner and a persistent player. We had a 6+ hour game of Risk one Saturday in December, which we only ended because it was dinner time and we needed the table.
* Alma's best friend. They would never publically declare this ("but we are siblings" is their response) but it is obviously true. They adore each other and their joy in playing with each other is absolute. When I took James to a birthday party without Alma the other weekend, he walked into the party mumbling under his breathe, "I wish Alma was invited. It would be so much better with her here." While he had a great time with friends, I'm sure he would have enjoyed it even more with his best friend there too.
* A great reader, already starting to dive into simple chapter books. He is always excited for the next book of funny stories that he can read to us.
* A good socializer. He is considered a darling among the mothers of his classmates, who often wonder at how quiet and calm he is. Little do they know he is such a constant chatterbox at home. He is known for his nice manners and quick smile. I appreciate that the kid's school focuses on social interactions, as looking at others when chatting and speaking up for one's self are such basic and crucial lessons.
* A developing whistler. It is so cute to hear his little tunes as he wanders through the house as a source of constant-motion and endless chatter/singing/whistling.
* A bit anxious at times. He often feels afraid that someone will be angry at him. He spends time worrying about school projects, our reactions to him making mistakes, and has big reactions to any small slight from Alma. He sometimes yells, "I'm so dumb," which just breaks my heart. I imagine it is the age. I'm encouraged to see that techniques he learns in school (e.g. meditation, taking a break) are useful tools for him
* Someone who feels things very deeply. He values his family and his friendships so much. His heart breaks whenever he feels slighted or even thinks about something negative happening to anyone he cares for. The other night, he started sobbing in bed as he thought about something bad happening to any of his stuffed animals. I had to promise that I would never throw them or treat them unkindly (not that I do!) to get him to calm down. Also, at his birthday party, as everyone was singing to him at the Pinball Gallery, his eyes welled up with tears. After blowing out the candles, he looked around and I could see he needed a hug, which I gave him as he whispered to me, "Wow, my eyes started crying." Lastly, like Joshua, he is incapable of watching a TV show or movie without miming the facial gestures of the characters. They both feel things so deeply that their faces contort slightly with surprise, joy, wonder, and anger, which is so interesting to watch. I believe that strong empathy is such an important trait, especially in men these days.
* Still a snuggle bug. His constant refrain on the weekend is asking for "snuggle time" with me or asking me to play a game ... or asking for both at the same time, as in "Can we snuggle or play hockey?" as if either would suffice to comfort him. After five minutes on the couch, under a blanket, sucking his middle and ring finger on his right hand, and in my arms chatting about the random things that come to his mind (these days: questioning me about which animal would win in a fight), his tank is full again.
We are so blessed to have such a kind, thoughtful, bright, and spunky 7-year old in our lives. We love you, James!
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