My Son, Benjamin

I decided to do a profile on each of my sons to capture who they are at this moment in their lives.  I naturally decided to start with Benjamin, since he is our first little boy.  Its hard to know where to start, so I will just list a bunch of adjectives that describe him:  beautiful, sweet, loving, curious, intense, smart, funny, caring, affectionate, talented, athletic.  Wow, that is just a sampling of his many great qualities!  Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that he is also creative.  

Benjamin is well into the age of five at this time, and he is more than ready to start Kindergarten in the fall.  He has been in preschool on a part-time basis since he was 15 months old.  We took him for an "interview" at a private school, and we are waiting to hear if he will be accepted.  I feel fairly comfortable saying that Benjamin will do well wherever he goes to school.  He has such an interest for learning, is so motivated, and is always on his best behavior in the classroom setting.  I can't wait for him to start this journey in his life.

Benjamin has really enjoyed arts and crafts.  He is always wanting to create something, whether it be a drawing, a painting, a snowflake, or a play doh creation.  Its funny how he asks me what I want him to draw, but almost always draws whatever he wanted to draw instead.  I'm left thinking, "why even ask me in the first place?".  But if I tell him he should draw whatever he wants, he always insists that I decide!  He frequently says that he is making his creations for me; he is such a sweet boy!  Things that he enjoys drawing now are flowers, landscapes, houses, and dragons (just to name a few!).  

Benjamin is getting to know the Lord more every day.  He reminds me if I forget to pray with him at night.  Benjamin often mentions people without food when we talk about who to pray for.  He is really a loving boy.  I see this in his relationship with me, as he tells me how much he loves me.  His descriptions of the strength of his love just fill me up so much I might burst.  He doesn't realize that no matter how much he love me, I love him more!  

I also see Benjamin's loving nature in how he is with his brothers.  Despite the typical antagonizing that goes on between brothers, Benjamin shows  his love for Evan in many ways.  If Evan is crying, he tries to cheer him up.  Just yesterday Evan woke up crying and Benjamin told him, "I love you so much that I will let you look in my private box".  He was willing to show his secret treasures to Evan in order to cheer him up.  Benjamin has been loving with Sawyer since he came home.  I am so glad that Sawyer has his big brother to love him every day.  Whenever I leave the room and Sawyer starts fussing, Benjamin stops what he is doing to entertain him.  He sits next to Sawyer in the car and makes sure that his needs are met.  For instance, Benjamin holds the remote to Sawyer's musical mirror so that he can be sure to turn it on if it shuts off.  I doubt many babies have ever been so well entertained.

Benjamin has such a special place in our family, as he is the first born.  Having this position makes him a leader, but I feel that he is a natural leader.  Benjamin is competitive and intense, some might say he is "Type A".  However, the great thing is that these qualities are balanced by a loving and tender heart.  What a gift from God, our Benjamin!