Thursday, August 4, 2011

He's ten

Brandon is ten.  TEN.  Double digits.  Wow.  I am not much of a sentimental girl.  I don't cry when my kids start school or lose teeth or start walking.  My heart swells as I see them grow and progress.  But with Brandon actually growing up, I find myself struggling.  All of the previous milestones were safe.  I got to be right there watching.  Holding his hand.  Cheering for him.  I don't know what it is about this tenth birthday, but I feel like I'm officially beginning the process of letting him go.  Increasing his independence.  Trusting him more.

And it's strange.

And I'm not cheering.

I'm worrying.

Have we taught him everything he needs to know?  Will he make the right choices?  Even when we're not looking over his shoulder? Brandon is an amazing kid and I need to have more faith in him.  But it's going to take some time.  Thankfully, we still have some time.  Because the process of letting go will still take approximately eight years.  Phew.  Maybe I just need to chill.


Right now, Brandon's life revolves around BMX, skateboarding, Harry Potter, Magic the Gathering (a card game), peanut butter sandwiches, soccer, basketball, and video games.  He is still doing great in his piano lessons.  We love listening to him play.  He is smart, witty, helpful, strong-minded, athletic, faithful, and curious.  He finished his Bear requirements in cub scouts and has moved up to Webelos.

He still loves reading and devours books faster than I can.  He got to read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix this summer.  Also enjoys the 39 Clues series and Peter and the Starcatchers.  He has yet to embrace the concept of sleeping in.  He's usually done with his breakfast before I even make it downstairs in the mornings.

Things are never quiet with Brandon around.
I can't imagine our family without him.
Love you, B-train!

9 comments:

  1. your sentimental friend cried in your behalf at this post.

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  2. What a great post -- and what a great 10-year-old Brandon is! Happy birthday, Brandon (about a month late...)

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  3. Oh how I love your 10-year-old boy. He is awesome.
    XO
    Grandma S

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  4. We miss Brandon!!!! All of you, actually:)

    My thoughts on that growing up / letting go thing: as long as my mother's intuition feels like they are ready for whatever it is that they are doing (driving, a girlfriend, etc.) it is more exciting than worrisome. It is when my instinct tells me that they are in over their head that I worry!

    (PS getting ready to send you an email. Look for it, OK?)

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  5. When a ten year old boy enjoys playing soccer, basketball, the piano, and reading,he's well on his way to a great future.
    HBTY, Brandon.

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  6. You mean it doesn't get easier to let go as they get older? Oh...

    It was definitely different not having Brandon here when you visited. We missed his energy - Jack especially. He's such a fun kid!

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  7. I know how you feel, babe. Every night when I peek in on him before going to bed, I just can't believe how big he looks. If the apple didn't fall to far from the Andrea tree, he'll be just fine when it's time for him to leave home to play basketball and football at BYU for a year before serving his mission to Chile.

    Love - Drew

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  8. can i come git him

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