Somehow it’s happened. That precious little 8 lb. 12 oz. bundle of joy I once held in my arms has now reached the end of his single-digit years.  Nine years! Wow. While I try to figure out where the last 3,287 days have gone (that includes 2 extra days for leap years, for all you math geeks out there), I present to you the 9 Things I Love About Trey.
1.  The first thing would HAVE to be that friendly and outgoing personality. We never experienced “stranger anxiety” with Trey, quite possibly because in Trey’s world there are no strangers…only friends yet to be made. We’ve often quipped that he has a bright future as a Wal-Mart greeter because of his ability to make a friend out of anyone he meets. Trey could make conversation with a lamppost, befriend a park bench, or even make a lifelong friend out of a rock garden.
2. Number two on the list would have to be Trey’s enthusiasm for life. While Trey has never been a “boy’s boy”, he definitely has a zest for trying new things, for fun, for adventure (though he’s a bit cautious about the danger). He’s always up for going to new places, for seeing new things, and loves to remember the fun times we’ve had.
3. The third thing I love about Trey would be his love of reading and learning. He is pumped about learning multiplication and seems to have grasped the concepts quickly. He loves to read and has begun reading challenging chapter books on his own (though comic books and Poke’mon reference books still top his list of favorites). He is tackling cursive writing with gusto – even if it’s not always perfectly formed and neatly written. He loves “showing off” his knowledge in front of Crisana and is becoming quite an expert on all things third grade.
4. The fourth thing I love about Trey is his tender and sensitive heart. Matt and I prayed even before Trey was born that God would bring Trey to Himself and that Trey would have a heart for following God. God has definitely heard and answered our prayer. Trey has committed himself to following Christ and has initiated Bible reading on his own. He loves going to church and learning more about the heroes of our faith. We are working to memorize scripture as a family this year and Trey is excelling at it! He usually knows the verse long before the rest of us have it figured out. He is developing his prayer life and shows promise in becoming a mighty prayer warrior, but also shows a tenderness and compassion for others as he brings their needs before God.
5. Number five on the list would be the relationship Trey and Crisana share. I love watching them play together, hearing them laugh, listening to them talk. I love how he looks out for her, as a true big brother should. I love how he tries to teach her the important things in life. Why, just a couple days ago, at breakfast I overheard this dialogue:
*commercial comes on TV for a Chipmunks album. The song playing in the background? “Shake Your Groove Thing.”*
Trey:Â Hey Crisana, you wanna know where your GROOVE THING is?
Crisana: Yeah, sure!
Trey:Â looks over with a knowing expression, nods seriously, and points to his rear end. Right THERE.
6. The sixth thing I love about Trey is the way he plays. I have never seen such an intentional, purposeful kid! From his toddler days when he would line up his Hot Wheels cars end-to-end around the coffee table to now when he builds intricate Lego creations and systematically tests all his cars on the latest Hot Wheels tracks, Trey has a mental checklist for his free time. He is incredibly focused when it comes to his Legos, reading the manual like the junior engineer he is, and following the directions carefully to create amazing spaceships, cars, and creatures.
7. The seventh thing on my list would be his independent spirit. Trey is one of the most confident, self-assured kids I’ve ever known. I think that’s one secret to his success in selling popcorn each year. Trey is incredibly comfortable in his own skin, he knows who he is – and he’s okay with that. He’s not afraid to admit the things he can’t do, and he doesn’t boast about the things he can. He doesn’t take himself too seriously and can laugh at himself when he deserves it!
8. The eighth thing I love about Trey is his laugh. He’s always had a great belly laugh – even from infancy. I remember one time in particular when I had gotten together for coffee with a good friend of mine. Trey was only a couple of months old at the time, but for some reason he got the giggles while we were talking and for about 5 minutes he just sat in his carrier and giggled away. We never did figure out what was so funny, but that laugh was infectious and got us laughing, too. It’s impossible not to laugh along with Trey!
9. Which brings us to number 9, our final item on the list. And what is the final thing I love about Trey? Why, that face, of course! That precious, darling, handsome face…those beautiful eyelashes that go on for days…that charming smile…those innocent and sparkling eyes. It may be a “big boy” face now, but I still love it just the same.
Happy Bither Day, Trey! May the year ahead be filled with happy surprises just for you!
With all my love,
Mom