I think Reed enjoyed his big day, which began with presents even before breakfast, as has become our tradition. Then after school it was his choice for dinner, which was a trip to Five Guys for burgers and fries, followed by a trip to Kule-Yo's for frozen yogurt piled with all sorts of gummy candies he knew would get all tough to chew as they get cold. There were expressions of happiness at different points throughout the day, but that little-kid-I-can't-believe-it's-my-birthday-it's-the-greatest-day-ever exuberance? It was nowhere to be found. Growing up! Reed told Tod recently that he'd been kind of embarrassed to ask his long-time pal Harrison Lindsey if he still played with Pokemon cards. He took the chance and found Harrison was just as excited about Pokemon cards as he still was. It's a tough age to be – you want to be a big kid but the supposed "little kid" things are still pretty darn fun. I can remember when I was probably 11 or 12 (maybe older!) I'd packed all my Barbies away in the basement, but still snuck down there from time to time to play with them. Couldn't be seen with them in my room, but I was still drawn to them.
Gone are the days when we have to fight Reed to take a shower each day. Long gone are the days (oh those interminable days!) when we had to fight to get him to use the bathroom ("But I don't have to go!!!" followed by...well, going a really lot). He's had some blow-ups recently over new chore assignments, but after the initial storm, he's been pretty good about actually doing the chores. He grumps about homework sometimes but the majority of the time he gets that it's a necessary evil and he's got to get it done. Back when he was playing baseball three years ago, it was a real chore to get him to get his uniform on and gather his stuff, much less actually get out the door...now when it's time for flag football, he gets ready and is raring to go. There's been a lot of growth and maturity in him lately, even though he jokes that he's less mature than most kids.
It's been so wonderful to see Reed grow and change so far, and I'm fascinated to see what kind of person he turns into. He's a pretty awesome young man.
