For J, who turns nineteen today…
I knew I wanted to write a post on your birthday, but I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to say.
I kind of wanted to say that I can’t believe you are nineteen already but that, although true, sounds overdone.
I definitely wanted to write about how I have just one more year of saying I have a teenaged kid, but that’s stating the obvious…
I was going to write that I am so proud of the young man you have become. You’re a caring, thoughtful, and responsible person, and I couldn’t ask for any more than that. You care about your school work and, really, anything else into which you invest effort.
I was going to mention how much you make me laugh, especially when you think that I haven’t caught something you said because I don’t laugh quickly enough. (“Good talk!” after a half-eye roll is one of my favorites.)
I thought it would be fun to write about how much I love that you think working out is awesome, because I do too and I love that we have that in common. I like when you imitate the HodgeTwins. (see above, re: how much you make me laugh)
I could’ve probably mentioned that I have been thinking a lot lately about how, when you were a toddler, you went through that really long phase of introducing me. Like when you stood up and held your arm out in my direction and screamed, “Ladies and gentlemen, introducing…MAMAAAAA!!!” Nobody has ever introduced me better than that and I would love if somehow that little guy could come back every now and then and let people know I’m entering the room.
I also could have written about how lucky I am to be your mom, but that probably would have embarrassed you in public.
So I guess all I will do is tell you that I love you and I hope you have a fabulous birthday!
9 Comments
Shannon
I’m weepy again! Especially about the introduction part.
Happy birthday to J!
Bonnie
What a fabulous birthday gift this is!!
Tracey
Sniff. Sniff. Dangit. I want to have him introduce you at the show. EXACTLY LIKE THAT.
Melisa Wells
Wouldn’t that be something? I bet if we ask him nicely he’ll introduce you that way too.
Aunt Dooey
Aww! Love this. Happy bee-day, Jayzo!
Adriana Zoder
My son is only six. I can’t imagine him being 19. But one day he will be. This post totally gives me butterflies about what it might be like. I love the pic and the way he used to introduce you.
Melisa Wells
Thank you! Yes, it goes by quickly but people probably say that to you all the time so I probably shouldn’t remind you. 🙂 Seeing them grow and reach different stages is so cool, and it’s so interesting to find out that their childhood personalities really hang on into adulthood. Interesting and weird but in the best way! 🙂
Momo
Happy birthday, J! (I’m a day late, and definitely a dollar short, but the sentiment remains.)
Grandma W
Happy Birthday J and many many more. Love Grandma W