Growing up

I'm not sure how this all happened.  One day I'm in the hospital having a baby, the next I'm dropping off a third grader at school on his first day of FCATs.  It's that quick.... that fast... and still that emotional for your dear old mom.

I waited anxiously to see you walk.  Then patiently waited for your first words.  Now our conversations are deep, meaningful and extensive.  You have a great sense of humor, a dramatic disposition and very strong opinions.  I just can't get enough of our talks.

It's hard to see how fast you're growing up.  You went from cartoons to watching sports (obsessively).  From caring about toys to knowing all the names of all the Nike Lebrons put out since last Christmas.  You've dipped your foot into social media and are handling the responsibility of your very own iphone beautifully.

It's hard as a mom to let go a little bit.  I have no previous point of reference.  I have to learn to let you make your own mistakes, to let you carve out your own path.  I must not treat you with the same overbearing manner I treat your brother and baby sister.  You are your own person and you so desperately crave that little bit of extra slack on the tight rope I fight to keep around you.
But I know I haven't lost you completely, because at night when we spend our last few moments of the day together you still love to cuddle.  You're not shy to hug and kiss me (as long as we're not in school in front of your friends) and you're very quick to show me you can make fart noises with your armpits, backs of your knees and even your neck.  When you do make that trip to the land of teenage rebellion in a few short years I hope we can still be friends.  That you know you can come to me with ANYTHING and that you remember all the things I taught you.  Make people treat you the way you feel you deserve, make good decisions and know that family is the tightest bond of all.
Just like your FCATs, life is a constant test of your will... and just like your FCATs, we've been preparing you all along the way so when the questions come up, you'll know exactly what to do.