Happy birthday boys, you’re 12!

Somehow my itty bitty five pound babies turned into giant boy-men who are fast approaching my height and daily remind me of it.  In the very near future, they will be giants.  GIANTS I SAY!  As I always do, it’s time to look back on who you are and who I hope you become.  You officially turned 12 on Saturday, but I didn’t get it written then, I’ve been a bit behind recently…..

Superman

Last year you went second, not for any other reason than I arbitrarily decided Batman should get to be first every once in a while.  You are the “older twin” after all.

You and your brother really seem to of cemented your personalities in place.  You are still very much the class clown and enjoy being silly.  Sometimes a little too much, but with an occasional reminder you can rein it in when needed.

You are eager to try new things and experiment with all things science.  Keep that excitement for learning, because it will serve you well in the many years to come.

You ask questions I didn’t think to ask, and they make me stop and think.  I’ll be curious to see what questions you come up with in the coming year, especially as I think I’ll be seeing a whole slew of new questions from you in the near future.

 

Batman

I don’t know if I can truthfully call you my peace-making middle child anymore.  This past year you and Princess have had it out with a fair number of arguments.  I’ve been impressed with how you push back without crossing over the line.  But if anyone messes with your sister or brother watch out.

You are of course still my serious child, as evidenced by that picture up there.  At most I get a smirk of a smile from you some days.

I’ve seen you deal with bullies this past year and learn how to stand up to them.  It’s a hard line to walk, and you’ve done it well.  Both of you have.

You continue to expand your culinary experiences and talk frequently of “When I open up my restaurant it will _______” as you talk through different ideas and possibilities.  When you got the chef’s hat for Christmas from your Nana you were insanely excited.  It was fun to see.

 

My hopes for you this year

I looked back at last year’s letter before writing this.  I continue to see the growth I was hoping for, and I still see the struggles you have.  You are in both worlds now.  Sometimes you are young men and want to be treated that way.  Other times you are still young boys with your cries of “CUDDLE!” or the way you happily play with younger kids.

Twelve is a hard age.  You’re neither one nor the other, and you don’t know who you want to be.  I’m praying you can escape these next few years relatively unscarred.  I don’t expect you to escape unscarred, no one does, but I hope your scars are few and light.

You have risen to my challenge of increased writing with only a few grumbles.  You survive the ordeals of quizzes and tests, your handwriting it getting better.  Especially now that I grade your notes based on my ability to read them.  It’s amazing how much harder you work on your handwriting when you know I’ll be grading you on it.

I know I usually write you guys longer letters for your birthday, but in all honesty I’m so tickled pink with how you’re growing up, I don’t have super a lot to say to you, other than I am incredibly proud of you.

 

Check in with the boys in the past

• Boys you’re 11
• Happy 10th birthday Superman and Batman
• Happy birthday boys (9)
• Happy birthday Superman and Batman (8)
• Superman and Batman are SEVEN
• My boys turn 6
• Batman and Superman turn 5
• Batman an Superman turn 4