Happy Birthday, William!

 Seven years ago today, William Thomas Buschelman entered the world and our lives.  Man, time is going fast.  I remember telling myself the mantra: Just get through the first year.  I was pretty scared about having two children (boys no less) so close together.  Turns out, it is pretty awesome.  I tell everyone who inquires how much I love the 21 month gap. 

 Will is a wonderful kid to be around.  He is interested in everything and wants to learn as much as he can.  He'd be a teacher's dream.  If you could handle the questions.

 I've said it before, but I love leaving books around and later discovering William nose deep in them.  Most recently, it has been space books.  But, he will read about other countries, about the human body, history, math related texts, and really enjoys looking at optical illusions.  He will run and find me to show me the twist he has discovered.  Generally with a: It's so cool!

 We have a joke among my family that Will is going to someday dominate the world.  His mind is very quick to grasp things, but we are learning that he is slow in answering.  He wants to give a completely honest answer and if he realizes he misspoke, he really wants to make sure you understand why.  One day we were on a walk and asked the children how they knew they were loved.  Dom and Molly gave quick answers, but Will didn't say anything.  Several minutes later as we were eating ice cream at our destination, he asked if he could answer.  I wish I could remember what he said (I lose a point), but it was still memorable in that Eric and I realized we needed to always give Will a little more time than we might normally be comfortable with in order to answer.  Really, we should give all children this extra time.  A friend told me that you should silently count to 5 before thinking a child is just ignoring you.  Solid advice.

 Will thoroughly enjoyed celebrating our Epic Pi Day!  He was excited to do all of the little ridiculous activities I had planned.  He was particularly eager to eat the chocolate pie as well.

 I easily forget how young Will is.  He is quite responsible and thorough in everything he tells you he will do.  (Now, if he didn't agree...don't count on it getting done). 

 Over the last year, he has become quite the sports kid.  But, not like Dominic.  Will is less raw enthusiasm and more strategy oriented.  He doesn't quite understand why people don't just follow his fool-proof plan to victory.  One day, Will.  One day.

 Of course, he is still as silly as ever.  I love hearing him and Dom laugh over some joke that I don't understand (a generation thing, I'm sure).  Will throws his head back and lets out a loud guffaw, or sometimes a little giggle through a large smile that shows off his dimples.  But, he never fakes amusement and will tell you to your face that you are not funny.  (We are working on his politeness)  He and Molly have become each others imaginative play partners.  They will disappear for literally hours in the Florida Room and create worlds and stories that are as real to them as anything else.  And, of course, he loves John and takes complete delight in just about everything John does.  John is just the most adorable and clever baby anyone could possibly meet.  (Though, Cousin Zachary is a close second)

Dear William,
  We love you so much and can't believe how lucky we are to be your parents.  You do and say amazing things every day and I wish I could remember to just keep a notebook handy to jot them down.  I don't even mind sharing my root beer and cheesecake with you.  I love you THAT MUCH!  (That's a lot, by the way, everyone would tell you so).  As you enter the age of reason, I know that you will continue to grow into a caring and thought filled individual.  We will (almost) always be up for listening to your stories and answering your many questions.  Or I will find plenty of books for you to read up on the subject. Or direct you to the nearest brain puzzle.

Have a wonderful day, week, month, and year.  You are quite a special little man and we Thank God that we get to be a part of your life.

Love you to Pluto and Back!
Mom