He's 8?!

Yep, that's right, Lizzie & Will's birthdays are a mere 1 day apart + 3 years! :) 8 years ago today, Lizzie was SO excited to be the big sister. Will came out a BIG, handsome boy at 8 lb. 12 oz. I was oh so glad that I had scheduled the C-section with him - most of the weight was in his BIG head! :) He was fussier than Lizzie and not as quick to smile, but he grew out of that. Those dark brown eyes just get ya, don't they? Will has grown into a wonderful little man. He is friends with everybody, not afraid to talk to anyone. He loves the Lord, too, and seems to have an uncanny wisdom about eternity - remember my Father's Day post where I mentioned that he calls Tim his 2nd Daddy, because God is his 1st Daddy? He's very kind and caring with younger kids, especially for a boy, except for the occasional bout with one of his pesky brothers! He's also starting to understand, as he watches Drew mimic Theo, that he is setting the standard and example for his younger brothers. That is neat to see! He tries hard at lots of things, but isn't worried about being a perfectionist like his sister! He's also pretty goofy sometimes, which is good to lighten us up when we need it.

We love you, buddy! Hope your 8th birthday is great!

Here's a photo collection showing him in several stages. Enjoy!

Remember this pose with Lizzie? Will is almost 9 months old, so he's quite a bit bigger.

Daddy & Will at the Dome for boys' night

August 2005 - At Toledo zoo, showing some attitude

October 2005 - cleaning stalls at Salamonie -- my cute cowboy!

January 2006 - sledding at Franke Park

March 2007 - actually wanted to hold his new brother, Drew

(wasn't too interested in Theo in 2004)

August 2007 - Will's version of "laying out"

August 2007 - Toledo Zoo, showing some attitude again, must be the place!

June 2008 - family fun day at Syracuse Lake, makes a hat out of a big leaf,

a good example of his creativity!

July 2009 - setting the example for little brother,

Theo wanted to wear a tie because William did!