Sporting events are often broken up into quarters, halves or even in hockey as three periods. As Oliver turns 11 this year, I can’t help but think that his first half of living in this house, with his parents is half way through. I think the average child doesn’t actually move out to until much later these days, but 11 is half way to 22 and that’s when I loved out, got married and moved 500 miles away from home.
Even though 11 isn’t a round number, this year feels different. Maybe is is because 11 is half way to 22, but I think that actually, it’s the fact that day by day, Oliver is transitioning from a boy in to a young man. Every once in a while I get a glimpse of a wiser and more mature Ollie. Every week that goes by the little boy diminishes and the grown up version increases. I was so excited when Oliver was born because I liked the idea of having one girl and one boy. One of each. What a fun journey so far!
It has been a joy to see all of the ways Ollie has grown already and while I know that I’ll miss the little boy, I think I’m more excited to see how the second half of the game goes. As parents we have two jobs. Give them roots and then give them wings. I can’t wait to see him learn to fly in the next 11 years.
Happy Birthday Oliver James!
