Today, Nathanael turns eleven.  He’s been looking forward to this birthday, in particular, because for some arbitrary reason, this is the age we decided to let our kids start having [decaffeinated] coffee.  He has been a lover of anything coffee-flavored for a while, so the countdown to eleven started well before his tenth birthday.

In addition to coffee, Nathanael is also our white chocolate fiend, and our bright-color admirer, and our child who often prefers “fresh” foods – crisp fruits and vegetables, citrus-y desserts.  He is in a neck-and-neck race with Bethany for the title of resident bookworm.  He is our go-to baby whisperer. He happily helps with any house project.  Nathanael is the kid who will slow down to walk with the person lagging behind, who will still volunteer for the task nobody else wants to do, who will – of his own volition – lay hands on and pray for family members who are sick.

Our Bug has a heart of gold.  He is insightful and funny and a little bit smart-aleck-y…maybe sometimes when he should be serious, but he’s learning.  I love celebrating his birthday, his part of our family that is unique and wonderful that we wouldn’t be complete without.  I’m so thankful for the gift we have in him.  He is absolutely on of the very best gifts I’ve ever received.