Yep.
That’s right.
My baby bird is sixteen years old, today.
Over the years, I’ve always tried to give my son gifts that are ‘meaningful’ and not just ‘materialistic.’ Like when he turned twelve, I wrote him this letter. And when he turned thirteen, I made him this video montage. When he turned fourteen, we celebrated with uncontrollable laughter. And when he turned fifteen, I embarrassed him with humiliating photos. And this year, will be more of the same. So if you’ll please indulge me, I’d like to put on my ‘Mommy Hat’ and brag about my one and only child.
For the most part, I think I’m a pretty lucky mom. As far as teenagers go, I have it fairly easy.
And here’s why…
He does his homework, without me having to pester him. He gets good grades, without even trying. He cleans his room, without me asking. He pees in the toilet and never leaves the seat up. He makes his own breakfast and puts himself on the bus to school. He even does his own laundry.
Sounds like a dream, right?
Of course, like all teenagers, he certainly has his moments. Occasionally he will roll his eyes, he gets annoyed easily, and he’s been known to cop an attitude. He knows everything about everything. Oh, and he’s never wrong.
He even has a t-shirt that says so.
In general, he’s a good kid.
A really good kid.
And he’s becoming an incredible man, every single day.
He’s confident, respectful, and independent. He’s responsible, smart, and trustworthy. He honest, kind, and gentle. His sense of humor has fixed many a bad days, and I find the utmost joy, just hearing the sound of his laughter. His unconditional love never ceases to overwhelm me. I value our relationship more than I ever thought humanly possible. And I’m extremely grateful he doesn’t keep very many secrets from me. I am a better person simply for knowing him. To say I am proud of him; would be an understatement.
I am honored to call him my son.
I loved reading his book. [Yeah, I know. Can you believe it? He wrote a book and published it before mine.]
He constantly cracks me up with his tweets.
And with his blog posts.
[Regardless if they are over-the-top, completely vulgar, and wildly inappropriate. READ: You’ve been warned.]
And apparently, he likes dressing up as a woman, IN SCHOOL.
But, even when he’s driving me insane…
I am forever impressed with the way he’s managed to overcome certain obstacles in his life.
He has the perfect balance of self-confidence and humility.
His determination and hard work are absolutely inspiring.
And I hope he realizes what a blessing he is, to everyone.
Of course he’s way too cool.
And way too busy.
And way too interested in girls.
And hanging out with his friends.
To listen to any of this mushy crap.
So I will stop talking about him on the Internet now.
Love,
Mom.
Happy Birthday Justin 🙂 You are an incredible young man and Mason and I adore you <3
Awwww! We love both of YOU! xoxo
Wanna trade? My son for your son. Not my daughter…you can’t have her. 😉
Never!
Oh, that’s okay – I just read his latest blog. I would totally freak if my son donned a moustache and passed out on a sofa after having peed himself a few hours before. 😉
Ahahahahahah!
I warned you, his blog is OFF THE CHAIN.
🙂
BTW, my daughter turns 17 on the 25th. Maybe we can hook them up together?
Nah… 😉
Congrats! The 16 years milestone. Nice.
Happy birthday Justin! And congratulations, Meleah. I know how you feel. Considering everything I put my parents through, I often wonder how the heck I managed to have such good kids!!
Happy Birthday, JCH! Have a great birthday but remember to thank your momma cuz she’s the source of your good looks and witty humor.
And, oh yea, congrats to momma as well. From the looks of it, you done good.
16 already, “It was just the other day…”, right? Before you know it, he’ll be turning 21. We’ve been pretty lucky with our two, you’ve been blessed. And yes, he is off the hook. I have no doubt he’s gonna be an outstanding individual, given all the great role models in his life, starting with you. You have every reason to be proud. Happy birthday Justin.
Happy Birthday! He sounds like a wonderful young man.
Happy Birthday, Justin! You and your momma ROCK!!
What a beautiful….and I mean BEAUTIFUL post, Meleah!
OMG…you had me laughing one minute, and teary-eyed with emotion the next!
LOVE the photo of Justin in drag! He looks like Lady Gaga!!!
Well, I have to say…I think a child is a reflection of the environment in which they are raised. Therefore, YOU are much to do with his AWESOMENESS!
A HUGE congrats and Happy Birthday to Justin!!!!!
You GO, boy!
X
Happy birthday Justin! You are an amazing kid indeed. Can’t wait to come visit Melz again and tell you in person.
HA!!
You crack me up, Mariann!
I feel OLD AS DIRT!
I have NO IDEA why or how my child is the OPPOSITE of me.
But I’m NOT complaining!
xoxoxo
Awwww! Thanks Agg!
Happy Birthday, Justin! You really make your mom proud. 😉
(Great post, meleah!)
😉
🙂
Thank you SO MUCH, Jimmy!
🙂
Thanks, woman!
I love that photo of him in drag!
It makes me laugh out loud every time I look at it!
🙂
Yes please!
You’re so welcome 😉
What an absolutely beautiful tribute to your son! Sounds to me like you are lucky to have a son like him and he is pretty lucky to have a mom like you! You know that he didn’t become wonderful on his own. He had to have an awesome role model to guide him in his choices. Happy Birthday, Justin! Now give your mom a hug and kiss for helping to shape you into the wonderful young man you have become!
Thank you!
Ima pretend my son is still SIX and NOT sixTEEN
Awww! Thanks darling!
Ah, what a sweet post and it has been so much fun watching him grow these last few years 🙂
I hope he has a great day!!
Keep enjoying your great kid,he is well on his way!!
Happy 16th birthday Justin. You’ve made your mama proud. Meleah, you done good! Congratulations to both of you.
It’s not so bad. Your still a kid yourself! Okay, I’m only a few years older than you. I think it’s accumulated memories that often make us feel older. My take is it’s what you are doing now that makes you younger. (Or who you are doing now.)
Happy Birthday Justin!
Congratulations to the young lad, my younger brother had his birthday today also, but he turned 57.
From the looks of your son, he’s going to need a club to fight of the young ladies.
Thanks, Lucy!
xoxoxo
True dat!
🙂
Aww! Thanks Bob G!
Happy 16th Justin. What an amazing young man you are as well as an incredible writer (I have just read your blog for the first time…I am very impressed.) Your Mum has every right to be proud of you. This post was so beautiful I am just going to go away and have a little cry now *sniff sniff*
Awwwwwww! Selma!
xoxoxoxooxox
Happy birthday to Justin! Have a great 16th year! I can’t believe he wrote a book already, when I was 16 I could barely put one foot in front of the other!
Right?!
Happy Birthday Justin!
Meleah. I would expect nothing less of your son. Just look at the family he is part of. With so much love, respect and laughter, he couldn’t go wrong. And a mum like you, of course 🙂
OH, this is lovely. You are such a great mom. Happy birthday all around and also Happy Mother’s Day!!
XO
Anna
Happy B-Day dude!!
Awww! Thank you, Babs!
xoxo