What? Already A Teenager???

Baby Blake
Blake found this snapshot in one of his photo albums
and he took it out, bought a frame,
and gave it to me for Christmas.
Mr. Mischievous

Laughing

Sweet

Thinking

Playing

Cute

Charming

Tired

Posing

Handsome

Teasing

Yes, I think there is a hint of fuzz on his upper lip.

"Mommy, I think by my birthday I am going to need to shave because I am starting to get hair above my lip," Blake told me much to my disbelief. What happened to my baby?!? Surely it was just yesterday that he was a baby in my arms. Where has the time gone??? Well, time has certainly flown.

When he was first born, he would instantly wake up and scream until a bottle was in his mouth. His dad would rush to get a bottle while I changed his diaper. Once fed, he would again sleep peacefully in his crib. At just three or four years old, he would awaken before everyone else, make his way to the kitchen, and find something to eat. He has always had an appetite!

It has been four years since I had a teenager in the house and now my baby boy is stepping into the teen bracket. This has been an interesting year watching him vacillate between boy and young man. He is beginning to eat more "grown up" meals with v-e-g-e-t-a-b-l-e-s, he no longer orders from the kids menu at restaurants, and I think he has grown several inches because I now have to look up to him. He still loves to learn, loves soccer, and, I think, his favorite thing is to still have someone sit and talk with him. Smart, curious, ornery, loyal, tender-hearted, thoughtful, independent, self-sufficient, and fun are just a few words that describe him. One thing is certain, he is still my "Good Looking" sweetheart. He voluntarily kisses me goodbye each morning on his way to school, and will holler, "I love you," when he gets out of the car at school. He has not reached "that stage" where he is embarrassed to "love his mom," and I hope he never does. He stole my heart the minute he was born and no matter how big he gets, he will always be my baby boy.

Happy 13th Birthday, Blake!!!