I think there are some pivotal markers in any parent’s life that they will universally talk about as “big” moments. First steps, first words, first days of school, first sporting achievements (ie: first hit in baseball, first 3-pointer in basketball), first crush, driving, graduating…
All of which I agree with.
However, no one prepared me for the moment my baby outgrew me. And what that would do to me.
I didn’t realize how tightly I was holding on to B being shorter than me until we had this (incredibly) ridiculous conversation last month:
B: I’m 5’6.
Me: No you’re not.
B: Yes I am. I’m 5’6.
Me: No you’re not, I’m 5’5 & I’m still taller than you.
B: Barely.
Me: Right…so you’re not 5’6.
B: I’m 5’6.
Me: 😐
Which was then followed a couple of nights later with:
“You should probably start writing down your favorite memories of being taller than me.”
And even though I was obviously right…5’5 is less than 5’6…he still had to prove me wrong and less than a month later, here we are. Me (still) at 5’5 and suddenly looking up to look my son in his eyes.
His height isn’t the only thing that changed this year. He started middle school, got his first phone, completed his last year of Little League and is embarking on his inaugural season of travel baseball, and had an incredible basketball season. He has been on the honor roll all three quarters as a 6th grader and continues to receive tremendous feedback from his teachers on how kind and considerate he is.
I am so proud of the young man he is turning into. B has always been my sensitive, empathetic, kind, funny, caring little man and the fact that he is carrying those characteristics into his teenage years (albeit in a much taller body) makes me so tremendously happy.
Plus, he still makes me laugh. A few highlights in pics and quotes from the year that was.
His Halloween costume this year. A “jacked up” baseball player.
Being thrown around by the waves. And going back for more!
Precious time with father and son. Marc coaches both baseball (although retired…for now) and basketball.
His obsession with dessert and the INJUSTICE of us not getting dessert when we’re out to eat:
“We haven’t had dessert the last 11 times we’ve eaten out.”
And
After asking for dessert while at a restaurant & us saying no, I notice later he’s chewing on something.
Me: What are you chewing? Oh, ice?
Him: Yes. Ice. A very bland dessert.
Speaking of food…
After eating an awesome fettuccini Alfredo at an old-school Italian restaurant in St. Louis, B says:
“I’m from the Midwest, I love my cheese and pasta and this hits all the boxes.”
Just someone who likes to drink his coffee on a porch in peace.
His constant reminders to us that his sister got a phone when she was in 6th grade so obviously that means he should get one too:
“Ahhhh…my favorite time of night. When you all are on your phones and I have nothing to do.”
And after getting a phone B says:
“Now my cloud has finally lifted.”
But with the phone…come some very sweet messages. (This one to his dad, after the Packers lost in the playoffs.)
Always showering me with compliments:
After returning from a hair appointment.
B: You had a hair appointment?
Me: Yea. Whatcha think?
B: It’s…like you.
And
“When do you have another hair appointment? I see a lot of gray hairs.”
Always caring about the things I’m interested in:
“Did you have fun watching your vampire show?”
(I was watching Vanderpump Rules.)
Finding something to challenge his sister to in any setting.
Never finding a park weight machine that he is NOT interested in trying.
Appreciating the little things. Like being obsessed with the TV in the mirror of our bathroom in the hotel room on vacation.
“When we get back to the hotel I’m going right to the bathroom and watching MLB Network.”
His ability to always find something sports related, no matter where we are.
Misunderstanding something in the most innocent way possible…and also as a way to attempt to get something he wants.
“I saw it said 91% of people like popcorn with this movie.”
(While looking at the rotten tomatoes rating and not knowing what it means but really wanting popcorn.)
Being totally and completely honest when rewatching a video of his band concert at the end of 5th grade.
“I’m gonna be honest with you. We sound very out of tune. “
Showing his sentimental side at his aunt’s wedding. So much love and happiness that weekend.
Ghostbuster B.
Going to all the sporting events and typically leaving with something. Lucky kid.
Receiving his long awaited trophy from winning his first ever season of fantasy football.
Loving Luna and her cuddles…when she cares to share with him.
Once again I end one of these birthday posts by saying how grateful I am for the relationship these two have…
…and for a kind, caring son who I know deep down loves me a lot even though I force selfies on him and ask him about his feelings. One day I like to think that he’ll appreciate those things. Love you, B.
