C. turned eleven a little more than a week ago.
Eleven.
That’s just crazy. It seems like we were just talking to him about how he was a whole decade old, and then — poof! — another year just flew by.
C.’s birthday was a fairly simple affair this year. Breakfast out at one of our favorite places, Panera. A looooong bike ride with his dad. Dinner courtesy of KFC (his recent request), followed by an ice cream cake (a family favorite).
Oh, and a hefty dose of reminiscing and ruminating on my part.
The fact is, I can no longer pretend that C. is a little kid. At eleven, he’s a full-fledged Tween, and I see evidence of his tween-ness and overall maturity showing up everywhere.
- He’s thinking more deeply about the things he believes and why he believes them, making up his mind for himself.
- He handles homework and school projects pretty much on his own, with limited interference assistance from me.
- He’s becoming a better writer all the time. He’s been working on a book report for school and when he read me a portion the other day, I was blown away and truly impressed with the way he put the sentences together. Definitely a moment of mommy-pride.
- He’s taking on more responsibility at home. One example: I don’t even think about his laundry anymore — he handles that completely, from sorting to folding, every week.
But more than these fairly standard areas of improvement, I’ve been noticing something else about C. He’s been making an extra effort to be courteous and kind to others.
Whether it’s waiting to hold the door for someone or asking an adult how they are doing or asking me if there’s anything he can do to help, he’s definitely shown growth in these areas. Chivalry, kindness, concern. Character issues.
And issues of the heart and character — far more than those of the intellect or physical realm — mean a lot to this mom. They give me warm fuzzy feelings inside, and remind me just how blessed I am to be the mom of this kid.
I love you, C.!
Happy Birthday to C…!
It seems that he’s growing up to be a mature / sensible Tween…& I’m sure he’s making u proud…
growing in wisdom & stature & in favor with God & man
a proud grammy
I always enjoy being around and talking with C.! Hard to believe he is eleven though!
Happy birthday C!! He’s looking SO much like you, I think.
And since my girl just turned 11 last month, I totally agree with most of these points. 10 to 11 just flew by. How did that happen? Everyone keeps commenting how much she’s grown up. It seemed to happen over the summer.
She IS a lot more responsible — but the laundry? I only wish. I put it on the chair in her room, and there it sits. . . .
But I too just read one of her assignments as I was printing it off for her, and it was really good!
Sounds like he had a great day. Interesting hearing your thoughts on his age. The other day I told Bookworm1 that he wasn’t allowed to get any older. I can’t fathom it is the problem!
Well, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CJ! I hope the next year doesn’t fly by to quickly for your mom!
Sounds like you are doing something right.
Happy belated birthday, C!
Happy Belated Birthday C!!!!
Happy Birthday, C! You’re are growing into a wonderful young man!
Happy Birthday C!! What a great year of growth! I love the tall candles on the cake!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Hey doing laundry, that’s awesome.
Keep up the good work.
Happy Birthday to your little man! Sounds like he is growing into a man you can be proud of!!
Happy Birthday to C. What a great kid!
Happy Birthday to your boy! It only gets more surreal the older they get….