He knows every way to manipulate me. He knows how to pull on my heartstrings more than anyone else in the house. He is a fierce negotiator. He is easy going, social, happy, kind, and loves to laugh. He gives the best hugs. He genuinely misses me when I am gone for the day and greets me by yelling "DADA!" while running to me and throwing his arms around me when I walk through the door.
Orion is the baby of the family; our last born. He is literally the icing on our family cake and we could not have asked for a better soul to finish off our quartet of boys.
At seven, Orion is entering the 2nd grade. He will become an uncle in a couple months. He loves riding bikes, swimming, soccer, collecting rocks, loves surprises and gifts. He speaks Spanish beautifully and does well in math. He is creative and artistic and likes to draw and color. Orion is a bundle of energy and enjoys being tickled, wrestling, and relishes being chased around the house.
Orion is the easiest to bribe out of our four boys. By this I mean, you can negotiate with him and if he perceives the deal to be favorable, he will approach a complete stranger and ask him/her for something in anticipation of earning his prize.
With all the boys, from a very young age, we have encouraged them to go ask for a napkin in a restaurant or ask for a refile of water or some other simple task designed as an exercise in social norms. Orion outperformed all his brothers in this area. He has no qualms about standing in line at a store and purchasing a book, toy, candy, or ice cream all on his own. He can be slightly on the shy side but will easily engage others or readily respond to others when approached. He understands the value in social reciprocity.
With all the boys, from a very young age, we have encouraged them to go ask for a napkin in a restaurant or ask for a refile of water or some other simple task designed as an exercise in social norms. Orion outperformed all his brothers in this area. He has no qualms about standing in line at a store and purchasing a book, toy, candy, or ice cream all on his own. He can be slightly on the shy side but will easily engage others or readily respond to others when approached. He understands the value in social reciprocity.
Orion enjoys hearing stories about and looking at pictures of his early years. He laughs at his antics, often mistakes pictures of Apollo as a toddler for himself, and watches old video clips of himself with great interest. He is curious about where he was and what he was doing and who he was with.
"How old am I in this picture dada?" he asked one day.
"You were two and a half," He considers my answer and studies the picture intently. "Do you remember this?" I inquire.
"Nope," he begins, searching his memory, "I feel like I was born at three, because I don't remember anything until I was almost four."
Orion does not hold grudges. He easily forgives and loves freely. He is excepting and inclusive. He has charm and charisma. He has a heart of gold. I consider myself lucky to be his father.
To an amazing son; you bring endless amounts of joy and fun to my life. You keep me young. You keep my honest. You teach me patience and show my how to love unconditionally. I am thankful beyond measure to call you my son. Happy seventh birthday!! ~ I Love you!
