Nathaniel Christopher Black, The One and Only

I've taken some heat from a certain sister (you know who you are) about not including enough Nathaniel lately, so here's a post devoted to my number one son!

Nathaniel is growing so fast I just can't believe it. Sometimes I will look at him and just be amazed at how grown up he is. What happened to that little baby boy I used to cuddle with for hours and hours? Now he's a big 3rd grader who will be turning 8 and getting baptized in just a few months.

The boy is a bookworm. It is incredible how well he reads -- he's on a 5th grade level at least! He recently finished reading the third Harry Potter book and started the fourth, and he will sit and read for hours at a time. Every day he amazes me with the things he knows. I'm so proud of him.

While he does love to devour a good book, I'm sure he would tell you his favorite past time is playing video games. He can beat the pants off of anyone at Super Smash Brothers or Mario Strikers (although I can still take him at Mario Golf)!

He's also gotten into chess. I think it's so cool that at 7 years old he understands the rules and really enjoys the game. He's pretty good, too!

Another thing I really admire and appreciate about my son is what a good big brother he is. He truly cares about his little brother and sister and always tries to help them out. He is conscious of their feelings and sensitive to their needs. And he loves to help mom and dad when we need something, too. I couldn't ask for a better kid! I love him so, so much!