Wednesday was Dan's 11th birthday so I thought I would take a few moments to capture Dan at this moment in his life. I always tell my kids that I knew them even before they were born and this is ever so true with Danny. To say that he was my easiest pregnancy and birth are understatements. He has brought such a loving spirit into our home since day one.
He is the child that never wants to be left out of anything but more importantly he never wants to leave anyone out. A perfect example was his birthday treats for his class this year. As Dan is a 5th grader this is the last year for him to bring treats to his classmates to celebrate his birthday. Although he would have loved to take in cupcakes to his classmates, he had noticed one girl in his class never ate the cupcakes that were handed our as part of the other children's birthday celebrations. When Danny asked her why, she told him that she had diabetes and couldn't have the cupcakes. So Dan asked for popcorn this year so all his classmates could enjoy his birthday treat. Dan is a friend to everyone and everyone is his friend.
Dan is also the one to make sure no one is left behind. He must know how everyone is getting home and he really doesn't like when his brother's have slept over at a friends house or go on overnight camp-outs without him. He likes to know that everyone is close and safe.
Dan is my cuddlier. Has been since before he was born. I could always feel him up higher than the other two boys like he was trying to get closer to my heart. He was happy to be held and rocked for hours as a baby. He has finally gotten too big for us to cuddle on the coach for movie time, but every once in a while I still sneak in a little cuddling usually when I am reading to him.
Dan is a hard worker. Although it sometimes takes a lot to motivate him, once he decides he wants to do something he can do an amazing job. Dan has a learning disability that we have been working with for the last four years and will probably be something that he will deal with for quiet awhile. Every year I meet with his teachers and support staff at least four times and in every meeting they tell me how hard he works. Dan is not afraid to get help, admit that he doesn't understand something, try again, and not get frustrated. His teachers always comment that if all their students were like Danny that their jobs would be so much easier. His biggest goals are to read longer books and use bigger words in his writing. He works everyday on these goals and although the progress is slow, it is there. Now don't get me wrong, all that great work at school is wearing on the kid and I get the meltdowns and tantrums at home but I'm willing to deal with that because I know he is giving all he has at school.
Dan is so excited to be a Boy Scout. Birthday present from Mom and Dad this year was all his scouting stuff. Shirt, sash, neckerchief, slide, belt, book, and all the patches needed to set the boy up. Dan has been studying his book and is asking me questions about becoming an eagle scout.
As much as Doug has tried, Danny is the only one that the motorcycle bug has bitten. He will happily sit and watch dirt bike races with his dad. He knows his favorites riders and teams. He has loved the races he has gone to and would love to attend more. The only thing that would be better would be to have his own dirt bike.
We have decided that Dan is a football fan. He has many teams that he enjoys watching and seeing them win. So instead of just being a team fan he is a football fan. That allows him to have a Pittsburgh Steelers Terrible Towel, a Green Bay Packers banner, an Arizona Cardinals hat, and a Dallas Cowboys Jersey. He loves them all.
Dan is big on celebrations and is after me when I don't have the house decorated fast enough for the different holidays year round. He has a specific nativity that he sets up. He loves to see my boxes come out with different decorations. And he is always willing to help with making something special.
Dan is fearless. He will try anything from riding on his dad's motorcycle to taking his "no thank you bite." He was excited when he was tall enough to ride the roller coaster at Sea World. He sings in choir, runs for Student Council, participates in Special Olympics, is a member of the Military Brats Club, and wants to participate in every sport that he brings a paper home for. He is always keeping up with his older brothers. Sometimes it's hard to remember that there is a three year difference between him and Matt.
I could go on and on about my little man's great qualities but then everyone would think he is perfect. So to disprove that thought here are a few things that we are working on. He does have a temper that is usually brought out by his brothers and sometimes by Mom and Dad (for which he gets in major trouble). He enjoys showing his disapproval by stomping up the stairs and slamming his bedroom door (that is then taken away from him). He can be easily distracted which leads you to ask him to do the same thing multiple times. And he leaves his dirty socks lying around everywhere.
I love his smile with the scar in it. I love his hair with the cowlicks that stick up. I love his clear blue eyes and long eyelashes. I love his kind heart and tender soul. I love that his favorite saying is "That with God nothing is impossible." For all of these things we are so lucky to have him as our son and brother. He growing into an amazing young man and I have a front row seat to see it happen.
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