Friday, November 21, 2008

13



Dude. Where on earth did the last thirteen years go?

It kills me that I had to move away when you were only one, and I didn't move back until you turned twelve. That's over ten years of your life that I had to observe from long-distance (and yep, I'm still a little cranky about it, if I'm being honest.)

And now, I look up, and you've turned thirteen??? How did that happen???

I've watched you pretty close this past year, and I've seen the young man you're becoming. Mostly polite, mostly funny, mostly respectful, mostly friendly. And the *other* part, the part that isn't mostly, I have to take your mom's word on it .... because to me, you are all of those things, all of the time, and I'm so proud of you for it.

I owe you some thanks as well, because whether you realize it or not, you have three younger cousins here who pretty much think you walk on water. So thanks for your patience with them, and for letting them tag along on your life in general.

Now, I'm going to tell you what I tell my own kids ---- stop getting older, or I'm going to put a book on your head to keep you from growing any more. I already missed over ten years --- I don't want these next years to fly by too quickly.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh....how sweet! My oldest nephew is going to be 15 the first of the year. I lived 4 hours away for the first 5 years of his life and have lived what seems to be a lifetime away the other almost 10. But just like you, probably...I know he loves me better than all his other aunts! lol!!
Patricia, Georgia

Dto3 said...

Hey, at least he posed for you! My nephews started driving last year, and I was happy that I didn't live in the same city for that. There are benefits to loving them from afar. . .

Anonymous said...

What a great tribute to your nephew. I wish my sons had aunts like you.

Claire in Indiana

Anonymous said...

What a cutie! What a special aunt you are.
Kathy

Cindi said...

It's just amazing how they grow up so fast, and how they can turn into young adults in a split second. He sounds like a wonderful role model for your kids.

Anonymous said...

Your poor sister - she does know that in a year or so her house is going to be swarming with girls, right? Because that is one cutie-patootie 13 year old boy and the girls are going to be all over him!

Anonymous said...

He's a doll Kristie..... and I SO, SO, SO get what you're going through. My nephew Mikie (or should I say Michael.... nah!) is turning 14 in just a few weeks. My Mikie, will be starting high school in less than a year...... While my heart fills with pride seeing the great young man he's becoming, it's also filled with saddness too, reallizing how fast the years have gone by. I guess I'll have to try that book thing...

Anonymous said...

You're sister is in so much trouble with the girls. He is such a little cutie AND a stud!

katy said...

Books don't do the trick, you must use something bigger and heavier, like a concrete block. It looks a little odd but who cares.

Stefunkc said...

Man, I wish you were my aunt.

Anonymous said...

Such a great looking kid, I am happy to see he has both the incredibly BLONDE hair that my sons do, as well as their long hair, LOL! But my goodness, did your sister luck out with those gorgeous, straight, white teeth?? Quinn is already braces-bound and Callum is well on his way. How did this happen? My teeth are perfectly straight and so are Steve's, it's just not genetically fair!!!
Happy 13th to the cutie patutie!!