A Perfect 10

My baby has reached a milestone. Double digits. 10. Wow. He's not technically "the baby" but he's my baby. He was the first to initiate us into parenthood. The first difficult delivery. The first hospitalization. The first late night feedings. The first smile. The first, first steps. The first dancer. The first brother. The first, first day of school. The first child I loved.

When I remember the baby years, I see my nephew pushing him in a tonka truck. Dancing in the dining room to Nsync. Splashing in a bucket as if it were a pool. An ever-present smile and an infectious wit that was evident very early.

He walks and talks like his dad, loves fishing like his grandfathers, not a morning person and enjoys quiet time like his mom but has an independent personality all his own. He is unaffected and oblivious to what is popular. He is peculiar and pleasing. He makes his own path. He's an old soul and a kid at heart. He's red-headed freckles and smiles. He's a grouch and a comedian. He's our son. He is loved.

He's "been waiting his whole life"(direct quote)to turn 10. I'm wondering how his whole life thus far has passed so quickly. I longed for this age but now want to press rewind. He's maturing and transforming. I see glimpses of the man he will become. I am proud. We celebrate his life. He's a perfect 10.

Date Night with Owen

I went on a date. On a Wednesday. Taco Bell. WalMart. Game Crazy. The Dollar Tree......a perfect night. Even though date nights with my husband also usually include a stop at the dreaded WalMart, this date was with my middle son, Owen. It was just the two of us and it was heaven. Date night with my boys used to be part of our routine. One day of the month, just Mommy and one of her boys. However, with busy comes lazy. Laziness to not make that extra effort on top of all the other extras that make your life busy.

Did you get that? In my mind it makes perfect sense.

This night was wonderful. Filled with all of the natural times of teaching, sharing and laughter. I'd ask, he'd offer even more. When he didn't know how to pay for a $30 item with a $100 bill(his world requires a $20 & $10 bill), I explain he will receive change and watch his face light up with a sense of financial responsibility as he puts the said change in his own wallet. He has had this money since his birthday in August. As opposed to his brothers, he is a saver. He waited until he knew exactly what he wanted and even earned additional funds by collecting cans to recycle and extra chores to meet those desires. Wii game. Ninja costume. The biggest, fastest Nerf gun available. We sat in the aisle, on the floor, in WalMart comparative shopping. The number of bullets shot in three seconds is of the utmost importance when searching for the perfect Nerf. In this case, the biggest was the best(this thing is hilarious and huge). One last stop at the Dollar Tree to spend the last few dollars and even pick up a little something for "the brothers" A pleasant, conversation filled ride home. Ninja costume on. Gun assembled and loaded....then the sweetest thing. He walks up to Sam and says "Here ya go little brother, I got you a magnifying glass to burn ants, but you gotta give me a hug first!"(if you find that disturbing rather than sweet you may not have a houseful of boys) An ending to a date as momentous as any kiss.