My son, the teenager

So, Derick's home for Thanksgiving and I couldn't be more excited to have him back, even if for a little while. I wasn't sure if we could arrange his visit here with school and airfare being a jillion dollars but I'm so glad we were able to swing it. He's on an "educational trip" according to his school so his 4 days that he'll miss are excused. He also brought home school work that I intend on cracking the whip about tonight. My Mom managed to find a fairly inexpensive flight for him so I didn't have to sell my kidneys on the black market. So, he's here and I am so glad!

I've already embarrassed him on a grand scale by having yet another sex talk with him. He must hate coming home to his mother talking about sex and condoms and that stupid thing we call responsibility. I don't remember my mom talking to me about sex very often (or I tuned her out, which is possible) so I'm making triple sure that I bring it up often. One, because I want him to know that he can talk to me about this stuff and two, because it's a natural part of life and I don't want sex to be a thing that's so secretive and elusive and only to be seen on HBO late at night. I'm all about the communication.

We've determined that I'm so lame, mom because I listen to music that's so lame. God, I must have been annoying child, I remember having the same exact conversation with my mother. Sorry, Mom! Also, I am super lame about a lot of things. It must be though being a teenager that knows everything. Again, sorry Mom!

It also turns out that sometimes I am not too lame, which is a good thing, for sure. I'm not lame when I accompany Derick into Hollister despite wanting to turn the damn lights on and turn the damn music down so I can hear myself think and see the 16-year-old who's ringing up the expensive sweater that I got swindled into buying. Although I do admit that it wasn't that expensive and I think my kid looks rather dashing in a bright orange hoodie. I'm also not too lame when I watch movies with Derick and he's just as creeped out as I am. We may have alternated between having the lights on and off during the movie. ('I Am Legend', if you're curious.)

He doesn't know that I snooped in his phone this morning to see his text messages. I know, privacy and all that jazz but he's 14 and he's a BOY and he's got a girlfriend and, well, I'm just being cautious. He's in the "I love you" phase with this girl which is funny because they live over a thousand miles apart and I don't understand how you can love someone and choose to live over a thousand miles away. But then I have to remember that he's a TEENAGE BOY and then I get it.

I also get that he's an awesome big brother and Jackson just adores Derick. The sun rises and sets with Derick and it just makes my heart all melty and mushy and I cherish those moments when they are playing and being so sweet with each other and making farting noises and giggling like they have not a care in the world. I love those giggles and the smiles and the belly laughs. It reminds me that I really don't have much to worry about, after all.

Derick is now taller than me officially and I can't deny it. Even though every time he points out that I'm shorter I exclaim that "I'm slouching and not standing up straight, sheesh!" which is really not true. He's taller than me and I knew that day would come where he would look down at his mother and I wouldn't be able to hold him like a baby anymore. He's big enough to grab things off of high shelves for his vertically challenged mom and yet he's still little enough to have to be reminded 800 times to pick up his dirty socks. I'm working on personal hygiene and picking up after himself for his future wife. I hope she appreciates what I'm trying to instill in him.

I'm so glad to have my boys home together at the same time. My house is full of too-loud television, dirty socks and wet bath towels on the floor. It's full of sit-down dinners and text message alerts. It's full of laughs and giggles and loud talking. It's FULL of love and I couldn't be happier or more thankful for this time.

 

Comments

[Raven]

I'm lame because I don't allow text messaging during dinner. PERIOD.

[Jennie]

So glad he's home. Enjoy every moment with him.

[Manda]

Wow he really looks a lot like you in that photo! So glad your family is all together for the holidays. :)

[Amy --- Just A Titch]

Aw, at the Blathering, I remember how lovingly you spoke of both boys, but especially of how much you miss Derrick. I am glad you have them both around for Thanksgiving.

[Jess]

That photo is SO SWEET. I'm glad you have your boys together for the holiday.

[sensibly sassy]

this post made me feel all mushy and happy for you. And I totally agree about the Hollister thing...seriously I feel as though I am shopping in a dark closet with a speaker blaring.

[Maura]

Aww! What a cute picture! And the post made me all mushy, too. :-)