Gabriel is 11!

I am now the parent of an 11 year old.  Yes, it’s true.  I’m still trying to convince myself of it. Almost 3 weeks ago (I’m a bit behind)  Gabriel celebrated his 11^th birthday.  While most days I see him still as the 4 year old, the truth is, he now hovers right at my height and is acting much more like a teenager than a 4 year old (most days at least J). 

Gabriel has always been our level-headed, peace-keeper and always lover of sports.  I’ve watched him grow from a young boy to now I feel some days I’m looking like a young man.  My how quickly the time has gone.

4 years old

Gabriel continues to be our biggest help.  He will be a wonderful dad someday as he’s great with helping Isabelle and Madelyn.  He and Michael, while as close as brothers can be, sometimes can be the best arguers as well.  I relate as I remember how often my sister and I argued being so close in age… but shushssssssssssssssss… don’t tell the boys that. 

11 years old

As with each year, we see Gabriel growing and seeking more independence.  As he ages, it seems Dad and I become less and less informed or knowledgeable while he seems to be knowing everything.  Isn’t that how it works as one becomes a teenager or preteen?  And as much as we like to see him growing and maturing, we are also proud of him for his growth in his academics.  He’s worked very hard this year to strengthen his academics, specifically his reading and math.  In talking with his teacher at conferences we are proud of the work he’s done.

Our first birthday we were able to share together.

Over the past year, Gabriel has become very interested in serving our country by going into the service.  While there is still a lot of time before he has to actually make his decision about his future, he seems very determined in going into the army.  He looks forward to serving his country, but also protecting others and of most interest… getting to use all the “spy” like gadgets he believes our military has access to.  Dad and I will support him in whatever he chooses and it would make us very proud to have a child serving our great country, but also I worry about his safety and would prefer he finds a “safe” position in the service (if there is such a thing). 

And now our 6th birthday we'be been able to celebrate together

Some of the things Gabriel has enjoyed this year are participating in archery and gymnastics this fall.  After watching the Olympics he and Michael decided they wanted to participate in those two activities.  I think they thoroughly enjoyed the archery class and were impressed with how much their skills improved.  They also liked gymnastics but being that this was their first try at the sport, they were disappointed they couldn’t start right off by going on the parallel bars, the pummel horse or the rings.  I tried to reassure them that even our Olympic athletes had to start somewhere.  Who knows what he’ll want to do in the spring, but I have a feeling it will involve a ball.

Next year Gabriel will begin middle school and I can hardly believe that I attended a meeting last week to learn about the middle school programs and choices.  Gabriel is excited for the next steps and the options he can consider as far as clubs, sports and extracurriculars.  It makes me excited to hear he’s ready for the next step. I pray he will be successful, happy and thrive in middle school, as I remember myself it being one of the hardest times in my life.  The principal at last weeks presentation shared that middle school is a very interesting time because as much as 6^th graders want their independence and try to push their parents away, they want at the same time to keep and remain close to their parents.  It’s a constant game of feeling torn.  I tell myself that and can already see Gabriel sharing some of those behaviors.  For example he wanted to say his prayers the other night by himself because he wasn’t very happy with me that I was making him go to bed early after some undesirable choices.  He said, Can’t I just say my prayers by myself?  I said, “No, I want to say them with you.”  And as we said our prayers and finished up I reached up to give him a hug and kiss and said good night.  By the time we had reached the end of our prayers his anger with me was gone and he hugged me and said, “Good night Mom, I love you.”  And just like that we had resolved the conflict.  I told him I loved him too.  I thought back to the tip the principal had shared and realized she was right.  While he wanted to push me away because I had given a consequence in the end he still wanted the affection and love.  Oh teenage years, please be kind to us… this is uncharted waters.

He had to dress up for a play in his classroom at school... He got the part in the book of the girl character.  And agreed to dress up because he got extra credit!  I'm proud!  Scary how well he fits into my dress.  :-)

And to Gabriel, now that you are 11 and wise beyond your 11 years, I want you to know that Dad and I only want the best for you.  We give you chores, we demand quality and we expect a lot because we know it will only help you to be a better person.  So while it may seem like we are a big pain in your rear most days, please know we do it out of love for you.  Someday, I hope, you will look back, as you have a great job, a family and children of your own and say, “Thanks Dad for making me read so often, and thanks Mom for making me rewrite those sloppy spelling words, because now I know how to work hard and can be a better dad, professional and father.  Gabriel I hope you see just how much we love you.  How you are a great helper, a loving soul and one of the greatest gifts we were ever given.

Trying to look all GQ. 

We love you always and forever and our love for you keeps growing and growing.

Happy 11th birthday my precious big boy...

Until next time,
Mom and Dad