I specifically remember the day we had this discussion - the one where you and I discussed staying 7 years old and not turning eight (or nine or ten or...) - in great detail. I suggested taping a brick to your head the way my grandpa used to promise to do to me and you just rolled your big brown eyes, crossed your arms and said defiantly "Mom, I'm turning eight whether you like it or not."
And today you are. Whether I like it or not.
You've never been one to listen; a quality that has been both a challenge and a secret admiration of mine. Your stubborness makes for some difficult headbutting but also makes me intensely proud of you as you are never a follower, never one to do what's easiest and you are always adamant about doing things your way, even if it means doing it by yourself. You have courage and bravery within you that you're not even aware of and I wish that at your age I could have been half as strong-willed and independent as you are now.
You are a young man (sigh) in an old man's body with the soul of someone who has been here many times before; wise beyond not just your years, but mine too. Your brain is constantly on; the gears consistently turning and you're humorously wise about holding back just how much you know until the right moment.
You hide from the camera and warn me "this is not for Facebook" when I am lucky enough to capture you in a snapshot. Yet your sense of humor is profoundly funny when you turn it on - usually when you're getting in trouble. "Oh c'mon Mom! You know you're laughing on the inside!" I almost always am.
The world around you as you know it is changing and while I attempt to only expose you to the very minimum, you know better. You haven't simply adjusted - you have stepped up and become the biggest help. At eight years old. I don't know how you know so much at such a young age but what I do know is I couldn't be prouder of you.
E, you are awesome, talented, intelligent and the coolest eight year old I know. Right now, coming from your mom, that probably doesn't mean a whole lot. But hopefully someday it will.
I love you, dude.
Happy Birthday!
Love,
Mom
happy birthday, E! What a beautiful post, Megan.
Posted by: Carmen | 25 January 2011 at 05:05 AM
Happy Birthday E-man!
Big hugs and kisses (whether he likes it or not, dammit) from the tall weird lady that sleeps at his house sometimes and bugs him about what he's building now.
Strength and courage all from his mama! He's going to be a great man who does great things when he grows up to be 8 and a half.
Posted by: Jess | 25 January 2011 at 07:40 AM
I think it may mean more coming from his mom than he may let on.
Happy Birthday, E!
Posted by: mel | 25 January 2011 at 07:51 AM
Holy Dimples Batman. What an adorable boy. My "baby" just turned 22 so I understand wanting to tape a brick on their head.
Posted by: DawnA | 25 January 2011 at 08:04 AM
Happy Birthday, E!
You're amazing and so is your mom. Glad you have each other.
What amazing little men you have there, Megan. Amazing.
Posted by: avasmommy | 25 January 2011 at 08:59 AM
Adorable.
I loved this...hope he had a wonderful birthday.
Posted by: mrschaos | 25 January 2011 at 09:39 AM
Happy Birthday to your dude. I can only IMAGINE where he gets his strength, and his strong will *YES. I'M LOOKING AT YOU*
Posted by: briya | 25 January 2011 at 11:32 AM
I don't know if I've ever met a kid who's brain I can actually see working as clearly as E's. He's so smart and matter of fact, its almost intimidating. He personifies big brother though and is totally going to be someone his little brothers look up to.
Happy birthday E! You are awesome and I hope you have a great day!
Posted by: Miss | 25 January 2011 at 04:59 PM
Beautiful! This being a mom business is sort of awesome, huh? Hope he has had a great birthday. Mine is 9 today and I'm trying to keep it together even though the idea that's he's already halfway there is punching me in the gut!
Posted by: foradifferentkindofgirl (fadkog) | 25 January 2011 at 06:59 PM
Happy birthday to the amazing E.
I have tried the brick trick. Doesn't help since they won't leave it on their head. Silly kids.
Posted by: Issa | 26 January 2011 at 09:54 AM
Your boy just turned 8 ... my boy turns 28 on Sunday ... I still can't figure out how THAT happened! Enjoy 'em while they're young! It does go by way too fast.
Posted by: Evelyn | 26 January 2011 at 12:51 PM
It's scary that they grow up so fast. My eldest leaves school this year and, it feels like yesterday that I took him for his first day!
Posted by: Helen@Soft Leather Baby Shoes | 11 February 2011 at 05:42 AM
Yes..the boys are big at my place but just felt they were 8 yesterday. They are 18 and 16 now
Thanks for sharing
Sam
Posted by: early years resources sam | 11 February 2011 at 05:50 AM