Sep
1
There’s nothing that makes me feel the brutal nature of time’s passing quite like seeing an update from a person I know but don’t hear from very frequently and their small child has somehow morphed into an adult-shaped human and it makes absolutely no fucking sense whatsoever because THAT was a BABY like FIVE MINUTES AGO.
Anyway, guess what? Riley is seventeen now!
He drives now. He’s a straight-A student gearing up for a challenging year of AP courses. He’s an avid track athlete who’s focused on the triple jump. He’s hilariously snarky and loves animals, basketball, having one AirPod in at all times, and weightlifting. He still makes a giant mess when he eats crackers.
It feels like it’s been 17 years, it feels like it’s been 17 minutes.
We’re down to the final months of having him at home, and I realize that’s what it was all about from day one but I can’t think about it for too long or it takes my breath away.
Comments
-
My product review site:
[
OH MY GOD NO. I mean…I was an avid reader of yours long before you were even pregnant with this one. Jesus. But what an outstanding young man; I know you all are so proud.
My oldest started high school this week so I feel this deeply in my bones and it takes my breath away. Sending you all the good vibes for moments of presence and gratitude.
Like Stacy, mine just started high school (oldest, one in middle and one still in elementary!) but it seems like it takes forever and like the time is just GONE. You have a lot to be proud of.
I have been following you since before he was born. I remember printing out your blog posts when your times with a newborn were tough for my daughter to know she wasn’t alone. He is such a handsome guy. I just know he’s going to be successful at whatever he endeavors.
I have been reading you since before he was born. **Deep breaths**
Happy birthday Riley.
Absolutely agree – other people’s children getting older will be the death of us all one day.
I hope he has a great birthday! He is a very handsome young man
“and I realize that’s what it was all about from day one”… I had to put my phone down and stare off into the distance for a little while after reading that.
My youngest is turning 13 this week and the mother-grief is hitting hard.
Congratulations. Happy Birthday to your big, beautiful boy.
OMG im both crying, and turning into dust because how did that time go so quick? Happy Bday Riley!
Happy Birthday to Riley! Can’t believe I’ve been reading about you and your family since my mid-20s and now I’m in my 40s. Damn!
“…but I can’t think about it for too long or it takes my breath away.” Oh, mama, mine turns 16 very soon and I feel this all the way!
You hit the nail on the head! Its exciting to witness (and support) the the onward and upward trajectory of teens, but man is it gut-wrenching too. Happy birthday to Riley and happy birth day to you!
I’m sorry but how have I been reading your blog for this long that I have seen your kid grow up?? Congrat to you as his mom on such an accomplished kid. Happy birthday to your son. All the best from this very long time and (and now old) reader.
I remember when your boys were babies.
Happy birthday! It is amazing how fast they grow up. I remember when he was a tiny baby. Sounds like he is growing to be a fine young man.