I’m not entirely sure how we got here, but today my firstborn will be thirteen. He keeps checking in to see if I’m sad about it, and then, without missing a beat, reminds me that in five short years he will be leaving home to begin his next adventure. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster. Part of me can’t wait to see where life takes him and the other part is debating locking him in his room and never letting him leave.

There’s something special about each of my kids, but with CJ it just hits differently. He is the one who taught me how to be a mom. When Steve worked overnights, CJ and I would curl up, watch movies, and fall asleep together. We went on little adventures, played imaginary games, and lived in our own world. We had so much fun together. We still do.

When I was pregnant with Jack, and eating soft-serve ice cream every single day (literally), he would tell me I was going to get HUGE, and despite his love for ice cream he thought going daily was a bad idea. He even threatened to tell his dad that I made him feed Ella cheerios so I could sneak out for my vanilla waffle cone with chocolate jimmies. He is brutally honest and never shy about sharing his opinions, sometimes to his own detriment.

Middle school has definitely shifted our relationship. His attitude has changed, and things he used to care about suddenly don’t matter to him anymore. Just when I think I’ve completely lost him to his hormones, he will come sit beside me and ask how my day was, or tell me he worries no one checks in on me and wants to make sure I am okay. That sweet boy is still in there, tucked beneath the pre-teen tough guy exterior. Even though most days he could use a swift kick in the ass, my mama heart is so proud of who he’s becoming.

I hope as he gets older he continues to help others. This Thanksgiving, we donated a turkey to a local brewery preparing holiday meals for community members in need. CJ took on the important task of carrying the turkey, though he did drop it twice! Giving back is a core value in our family, and while he sees all that the foundation does, it’s important for him to see other ways to make an impact.

This birthday, my wish for CJ is that he finds his people, creates countless core memories, hugs his mama often, and treats everyone around him with respect, kindness, and patience. I hope the little things stay small and that he gains strength and grace in handling the bigger challenges. We all know that with age comes wisdom, and I’m excited to watch him grow into it.

Cheers to teenage mom life!