...and he, like his sister, has changed everything.
"He's loud and loving, wild and sensitive. He pushes every boundary, tests your patience, and pulls you into chaos that feels never-ending - then stops you in your tracks with a cuddle or quiet 'I love you.'
He doesn't always listen, but he notices everything. The way your eyes soften when he's overwhelmed. The way you still show up when you're running on empty. He watches how you hold it together, how you fall apart, how you keep coming back. He's learning what love looks like from you - steady, gentle, imperfect. Some days you wonder if he sees the effort or just the noise. but the truth is, he's not looking for perfect. He's just looking for you.
Safe. Loving. Human.
There's a boy who calls you mom, and somehow, through the mess and the magic, that feels like the most powerful thing you've ever been."
And then, that little man, the one you have so many nicknames for, he turns 13.
A full-blown teenager who still has so much energy.
Who still plays...ball, with friends, with Legos, with games.
Who is trying hard to play it cool - he does not want to call attention to how big his heart is.
Who still holds your hand when the movie gets scary.
Who still puts a pillow over his face when the scenes get to be too much.
He's a full-blown teenager who still chases our puppy all over the house.
Who still gets in trouble for being "too much".
Who still tells you that he loves you, with his words.
Who told me he placed his hand on his heart during our birth minute.
He's a full-blown teenager who still wants to be able to be a kid when he needs to be.
Who still needs to cry sometimes.
Who still needs to be reminded that it, whatever it is, will be okay.
Welcome, sweet little man of mine.
Welcome to your teens.
May you have grace, love, and kindness to light your way.
May you always remember where you came from, where you stand, and where you are headed.
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