Aaaand he's 15. FIFTEEN?!?!?!?!
I know I always open these blog posts up with lame jokes about searching for lost time under couch cushions or in the closet. I won't do that this time. But, I will flat out ask where the HELL did the time go? How is Jack 15? FIFTEEN?! How do I have a 15 year old? How is my first born, the boy who made me a Mama, the child who started it all, my Squid, 15 years old?
I'll pause here to say HI JACK, because you may be reading this. If you are, please know that I love you and I hope today is special for you. Please know that I love you and that you are my most favorite Jack in the entire galaxy.
I remember every single detail of this day in 2007. Who was there, what happened and when it happened, how I felt, etc. It's funny how clearly it all comes back when I sit to think about it. You just never forget the day your life changed forever.
I feel that on July 8, 2007, not only was a baby born, but so was a Mother. Jack is a huge reason I am the person I am today. We've learned together, we've grown together, we've messed up together...what a team we have been for 15 years. What a 'perfectly imperfect, flying by the seat of our pants' team.
Jack and Emma are still very much JackandEmma, the same way it's been for 13.5 years. Having two kids 17 months apart may seem cuckoo on paper and believe me, it felt cuckoo, but it was the absolute best thing that could have ever happened because the relationship that was formed has been so special to watch. I'm grateful that they have each other, especially as the teen years go on. Is it always sunshine and rainbows? Nope. But do they support each other and love one another unconditionally? Yup. And I'm so happy that I get to see it.
Jack and Sara are still very much Jack and Sara. A work in progress, I suppose. Sara idolizes Jack and loves when they get along and play together or bond over something. There is love there, so much, they just have a funny way of showing it. Patience and time is the game as it pertains to them.
Jack and Al are becoming more and more similar. They are in a Pokémon and Stranger Things stage together at the moment. It's funny to see them connect over "nerd stuff". They are so different when it come to many things, but when they find that common factor, they could talk and go on forever.
Jack and Dad are still two freaking peas in a pod. They share a sense of humor, and sense of sarcasm, and the appreciation for dumb dad jokes. No one makes Jack laugh like Greg and no one can illicit the eyerolls quite like Greg. These two make me laugh.
And, last but not least...the perfectly imperfect flying by the seat of our pants team of "Jack and Mommy". Yes, he still calls me Mommy. None of the others do. Just him. It makes me smile. I will always learn with Jack. Being the oldest, he is the teacher, the guide , the one who helps me figure it out for the rest of them. This may be the hardest thing about being the oldest (from one oldest to another, I get it) and we have messed up, but we have succeeded more often than not. You have become my friend. You make me laugh. You make me roll my eyes. You make me cuckoo bananas. I guess such is life with a teenage boy. You are a good person with a good heart and you have surrounded yourself with good people and it's so nice to see. You are working hard in school and this year was a great year academically for you. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next year brings for you. One of the things it brings is drivers ed and that freaks me out. FREAKS ME OUT. But, we will cross the freaky bridge when we get to it.
I have to give you a special shout-out when it comes to how you handled yourself with the passing of your Mom-Mom. It was such a hard time for all of us, and you held it together and helped ME hold it together. You and Mom-Mom had a special relationship...she loved you so much...and I know that this wasn't easy for you. I'm so proud of how strong you were. I'm so glad that I got to share you with her for almost 15 years.
Jackaboo. My boy, my joy. The boy who made me a Mommy. Please always know that you are strong and brave and can do anything. Know that I'm here for you always. Know that I love you more than you will every know. I'm so proud of the man you are becoming and I look forward to learning with you for many years to come. Keep smiling, keep nerding out and keep dancing.
Jackaboo, I love you, yes I do my Jackaboo.
And, as always:
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