When I look back on Sloan’s stint as a 7-year-old, a seemingly minor memory sticks out. When we were vacationing in Leavenworth, our hotel offered movie nights. One particular evening, the featured presentation was “Charlotte’s Web.” Sloan sat on one of the couches and watched the whole thing while the rest of us did other activities in the family room.

As the credits started to roll, I looked at Sloan. Her eyes were filled with tears. When Sid and I asked her what was wrong, Sloan simply said she was sad and touched. Charlotte’s death and the birth of her offspring made Sloan feel some type of way. Our daughter has a heart, I thought.

Happy birthday to my 8-year-old daughter, Sloan! (photo courtesy of Nicole Lynn Photos)

Compassion and empathy are two qualities that developed within Sloan this past year. Whether it was the death of a fictional spider or the death of an actual schoolmate’s father, she seemed to understand the fleetingness of life and the emotions that accompany it.

Sloan learned a lot about compassion and empathy as a 7-year-old.

In addition to her emotional development, the past 365 days also came with a lot of fun and achievements. Coincidentally, our St. Patrick’s Day baby started and ended her term as a 7-year-old with T-Swift inspirations. She had a Taylor Swift-themed birthday party in March 2024 and won a Swiftie trivia contest in February 2025. In between those two events, she was a lector at mass and a skater at the roller rink. She played on a soccer team, performed in a talent show, and joined a huckleberry-picking group. She zipped down water slides and nourished butterflies. She attended her first baby shower, flew to South Carolina, and rode roller coasters. She signed up for a cheer camp, learned to yo-yo, and started preparing for the sacrament of reconciliation. She read 600 books, got behind the grill as a hibachi chef, and attended the father-daughter dance with her handsome date.

Sloan welcomed her cousin, Olivia, as a 7-year-old.

Sloan simply experienced and loved life as a 7-year-old.

This girl likes to be herself and have fun.

Now it is time to be great at 8. As long as she continues to live each day with joy, love God, and stay curious, she will be well on her way. If she manages to limit her dramatic tendencies and curb her temper—a couple of things that did surface occasionally this past year—she will surely reach that elusive greatness (or at least I hope).

Sloan sitting at her desk ready to start her first day of second grade.

Although watching Sloan get older is hard at times as a dad, I am excited to see what is in store for my daughter this year. I love you, Sloany Baloney! Don’t Blink.

Past Sloan Birthday Posts
Sloan turns 7
Sloan turns 6
Sloan turns 5
Sloan turns 4
Sloan turns 3
Sloan turns 2
Sloan turns 1