The teenager.

Time moves fast and with force, so we had to mark it big time.  A dad and son trip.  On an airplane.  With an itinerary centered on the son's favorite baseball team, his love for city-exploring, and time to discuss the deep things of becoming a teenager.  (And also many types of food, again because of the teenager part.)

  

  

I can't speak to much of the deep side of this trip, as it was sacred in a way that both travelers have kept it to themselves.  I am learning as the mama that being a little more on the outside looking in is another part of a son becoming a teenager, and so Eli is not the only one walking new roads.

Time moves fast and with force, and we have to do our best not to get swept away.  Each day has moments to mark, so I'm just going to start with today...  

You gave me a hug before you got on the bus, and you waved to me from the bus window as it pulled away.  You stayed after school for Honors Band practice, one of the many extracurricular activities you like to experience and never complain about as you balance them with school and sports.  Your dad surprised you by picking you up and heading to the driving range, something you both love to do.  For dinner, you wanted bow ties and sausage, roasted brussel sprouts, and chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.  And even though we thought our big present to you would be completely unexpected (tickets to a concert), you weren't totally shocked because, while you hadn't known our plan, you had already discovered the concert was coming and had emailed us the details the day before.  You stayed up to watch some baseball, and you finished the night as always - reading in your bed. 

Happy birthday, Elijah Mark.  You'll always be my baby, but I love the man you are becoming.