Oh. Alex is...10?

I think if you know anything about me, you know how much I love my children. I've loved every age and I've loved watching the babies turn into these full-fledged teens and tweens. But, in the back of my mind, I grieve those baby days, I long for them. Those babies were my life for so long, so much a part of who I was...who I AM and I feel like I blinked and those days were over.

Al, being the youngest, was always my last link to those days. No matter his age, since he's the last, I always tried to hang onto his "youngness" a bit harder.

So, as I write this on the eve of his 10th birthday, I can't help but feel that his "baby" chapter has officially closed. Yes, yes, I know, he will always be my "baby"And, If I try really hard, I can still see his chubby baby face and hear that cute baby voice.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not living in the past. I'm firmly planted right here in the present. "AlexNow" rocks my socks. He's my pal, my partner in crime. We ride into school together every morning and have silly conversations in effort to prepare for the day in front of us. He likes to school me on all things Roblox and Fortnite. He is FUNNY and WITTY and knows it. He continues to be the most polite child I've ever come across. He sometimes catches me off guard with his politeness. He is generous and kind and has such a big heart.

Alex and Emma are still thick as thieves. I've always referred to them as my Twins born 4 years and 3 weeks apart. You rarely see one without the other and their "weird" December bond just gets weirder as the years go by. Emma has always been Al's "second mother" and that hasn't changed. I love this relationship and I hope it always stays as strong as it is.

My Bookend Boys have a bunch in common as the years go by. They are so different in general so it's just nice to see them bond over things like Stranger Things and video games. It's especially wonderful when they fight over who gets the Nintendo Switch at any given moment. (rolls eyes) Al looks up to Jack and the moments in which they are just existing in the same space doing something mundane are my favorite. 

Al and Sass. Sass and Al. These two bicker like an old married couple. If you check the blog from last year at this time, I probably said the same thing. I won't lie, it make me cuckoo. However, when they are working together or playing together. trying to achieve a goal, they are rockstars. My Littles are living that "bestfriendworstenemy" life these days. Such is life in the home of The BuCrew.

Al and Dad are two freaking peas in a damn pod. They share the same sense of humor, sure. But, I've seen a lot of Greg's work ethic coming through in Alex, especially this year, which was the year of "The Deck". Al really loved to help Greg with the building of the deck and the ripping up of the yard (twice) and all of the projects that are always going on here. Alex is the go-to helper and I love that. 

I've touched a bit on the relationship Al and I have earlier in this post, but I just want to say that I am so proud of him. He's had some obstacles this school year and he's worked through them wonderfully. I'm proud of him in so many ways. Alex is truly a very special boy and I'm so honored that I get to be his mother. 

I still hate that he's 10, though.

Alex, today we celebrate you and your dramatic entrance into this world. As I always say, a stomach virus at 38 weeks and 6 days pregnant will ALWAYS ensure a Baby at 39 weeks. I love you, my Christmas Eve Baby. You are my gift that keeps on giving. You are the best Christmas present that I have ever received. I'm so lucky to be your Mom.

And as always, I thank you for choosing me.

The ONLY song that would make you stop crying during those early days.