Twelve

This has become a little ritual of mine: one post a year, on or around RJ’s birthday, where I try to put words to what it means to raise him, and to grow alongside him. A post to pause, to notice, and to hold onto what this moment of motherhood feels like.

This morning, right before school, I reminded him: “Go plug in your iPad now, or you’ll forget later.”

Without missing a beat, he said, “I won’t. I’m now 12. I no longer need your reminders.”

I looked at his grin, half teasing, and half proud. I saw the little boy who once tucked inside, and at the same time a young man who just started to emerge. Confident, playful, and convinced he’s got it all figured out - until he needs help finding his socks five minutes later.