Reuben is the luckiest thing to ever happen to us.

Today I sat in the hallway after church, and waited for Reuben while he had an interview with the Bishop. (The leader of our congregation.) They talked about being baptized, which Reuben has decided to do. I just can't believe that my baby is turning eight!

Reuben is a great kid. I genuinely like him. He is smart, always astounding us with with understanding, memory, ability, and comprehension. He is an avid reader. He downs books and stories and enjoys it. We have a daily mantra when I drop him off at school. I say, "You are..." he answers "Smart." I say, "You are..." He answers "Nice." I say, "You are..." he answers "Important." I say, "You will..." and he completes the sentence with a new goal for the day. Sometimes it is "eat lunch." But most of the time it is "don't give up." or "try hard." While we didn't make this up on our own, it helps him, and me remember how great he is.

Last night, I couldn't sleep. Couldn't fall asleep. Couldn't stay asleep. And I realized in 2006 on the night of January 11th, I was doing the same thing--not sleeping. I was nervously awaiting the arrival of the blessing that is Reuben.Sitting in that horrible bed, in that hospital room, while my husband slept on a cot.

Little did I know the blessing that he would be. He is kind. He is patient. He is loyal. He is perceptive. He makes our family better. He is strong. And, while he is no longer the out going little New Yorker who would talk to anyone like they were his best friend, he still has a great love for his fellow men.

Favorites:
Color: Green
Animal: Lion
Game: Skip Bo Jr.
Movie: Despicable Me
Season: Summer
Fruit: Nectarine
Vegetable: Broccoli
Food: Pizza

He wants to be a scientist when he grows up and share a lab with Simeon, but before they do that they are going to be in a band together.