It's Good to Be Seven: Ryan

Our Ryan turned seven today at 5:05pm. We happened to be watching a clock together at the exact moment he went from age six to age seven. Before heading off for a pizza dinner, followed by overflowing ice cream sundaes, we appreciated the milestone together in the warm, September sun. Because it's not every day a boy turns seven.

The older Ryan gets, the more and more difficult it is to remember our lives without our oldest boy. He is a constant source of joy, energy, amazement, and love, and teaches us something every day.

Here are some of the wonderful lessons we've learned from our front-toothless Ryan, age seven:

All the world really needs is baseball, baseball, and baseball. Meals are full of constant questions about the Phillies and Dodgers with an occasional Met (R.A. Dickey) or Brave (Chipper Jones) thrown into the mix. Need I say more?

If you can't play baseball, then dodgeball, handball, basketball, football, soccer, or pretty much any sport involving a ball, racquet or water, is an acceptable alternative.

The best way to watch NFL football on Sundays is with a Nerf football in hand, catching passes from your Dad and providing constant commentary regarding the fantasy football teams of each and every one of your extended family members.

The only section needed in the newspaper is the Sports section. For proper appreciation, poring over the stats page while dripping milk from your morning cereal is required.

Practice fairness, from the handball court to soccer field, and always support your teammates with an enthusiastic fist pump and cheer. It's called "playing with heart" (words his soccer coach used to describe his playing).

Little brothers are never too young to play tackle with, or throw balls to, but always in a safe, sweet and loving manner.

There's no such thing as two snacks a day. Snacks should come at least four to six times a day, watermelon preferred.

For optimum parental appreciation, it's nice to do things like rake the yard or clean up your toys long before you're asked to.

Last, but most definitely not least, a kind, generous spirit is the best way to approach the day.

We love you Ryan! Thanks for teaching us, each and every day.