MAN

Earlier this evening, I had the privilege of taking my (almost) 12 year old son to his first co-ed birthday party, being held for a girl in his 5th grade class; who just so happens to be my son's latest crush. I feel as though this was a milestone for both of us; HIS first social interaction with members of the opposite sex, that are not related by blood, marriage, or years of kinship... and, MY first urge to lock him in his room until after he graduates college, for a reason other than junk-punching his brothers.

After two grueling hours, I picked Corey up. The second his seat belt clicked, I started the 20 questions. Did she like your gift? Did you sing happy birthday with everyone else? What other classmates were there?

"Yes... Ya...." Then he rambled off a handful of girl names, and started talking about the cake. Wait a minute. Back it up. "What boys were there?" "Just me" and he continued on about the cake.

I don't know whether I am more bothered by the fact that my son was the only boy, OR the fact that he did not seem to be bothered by such. 

Baffled by his comfort, being the only boy; I concluded the interrogation with one final question, "Corey, did you go to this party in hopes that this girl would like you?"

"No Mom. I went because I wanted to see her smiles." 


Well, there you have it... My baby boy is becoming a sensitive, loving, MAN. I may not like this fact, at all times. But I could not be more proud of him.