Joel update

Joel has had a growth spurt and actually grew two sizes since school started! WOW! For the first time in his life he is wearing the same size as his age. We had to buy him some new clothes Saturday and actually had him try things on in the fitting rooms (which he hated). We found that he is wearing size 7 regular pants and size 6/7 shirts. Of course the inseams will have to be shortened a LOT and the sleeves rolled up, but that's okay.

The other day Joel was cuddling with Robin on the couch and she was explaining to him about the order of upcoming birthdays and holidays. She said, "First, Nina's birthday. Then, Gabe's birthday. Then, Lora and Ella's birthday. Then, Thanksgiving! Remember Thanksgiving, Joel? We go to Aunt Karen's house and eat turkey? It's so much fun to play with the cousins!"

"Mada'scar 2!" Joel said, hoping to watch that movie (that he hasn't seen yet) on Uncle Richard's TV.

"Okay, maybe' Robin continued. "Then after Thanksgiving comes Christmas! Oh, Christmas, Joel! We love Christmas with the Christmas tree and Baby Jesus and stockings and lights!"

"Chwimmas!" agreed Joel.

"And then New Years: 'Happy New Year!' with crackers and cheese and games," Robin kept going. "And after New Years comes..... Joel's birthday! Hurray! You will be 8 years old on your birthday, Joel! We'll sing "Happy Birthday" to you and blow out the candles!"

(Joel loved that part).

"Then," smiled Robin, "after Joel's birthday we have Valentine's Day and then Papa's birthday and Kelly's birthday and St. Patricks Day--"

"And then SpongeBob's birfday!" said Joel.

We laughed and laughed! (You have to understand that SpongeBob's best friend is a starfish named Patrick.)

I love this kid!