Skip to main content

Become You

Noah, leaving for Charleston
Man, over the last year or so, our family dynamic is shifting.  More specifically, our parenting dynamic is shifting.  You see, Jessica and I have moved beyond the phase of parenting that revolves around just providing for your children's needs.  As  much as I loved that phase of parenting, wherein we worked diligently to ensure a stable diet, sleep schedules, exposure to important cultural events, and whatnot for our children - now each of our kids has truly become his own person.

Just this year, Noah went on his firs two overnight (more than 2 nights) retreats with his youth group.  he was on his own, with his peers, for several days.  My head was thrilled about this, as his travels and experiences have been amazing, and have led directly to his personal growth.  I mean, he returned home from Charleston yesterday, and we spent over an hour passionately telling us about his meaningful experiences in the African-American church, saving sea turtles on Folly Beach, and trying to figure out how to afford lunch for 5 with only $5 on the streets of Charleston.  But my heart just misses him while he is away, and desperately wants to hold him close for as long as possible.  Either way, it actually feels sublime, and helps me to feel more appreciation for what he is becoming.

Avery hosting his late night talk show, interviewing Jessica
And our little Avery is an "asker of questions".  He is simply an extroverted person - and anything that comes into his brain requires working out with others.  So, he will talk your ear off with curiosity - and it is just now that his inquisitive nature is helping him develop his own opinions.  He still adores his older brother, but more and more he is finding his own path.  Whether it be the TV show Flash, or the new Beck album, or individual soccer players (em, Kevin DeBryune) - Avery likes what he likes.

Recently (due in part to the Echo), the kids have started "hosting" a nightly talk show in our living room.  Officially called "The Noah Show," Avery has been allowed to "guest host" over the last weekend.  It was fun to see how each of the boys envisioned their shows differently: For Noah, the show revolves around musical show tunes, and his performance of them.  For Avery, the show revolved around his talking, and interviewing (Jessica and I).  Which makes perfect sense.

Either way, I just felt happy that each of them still wants to perform something for us, and that it matters to them.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Im 30....seriously.

I am turning 30 today. So in the spirit of reflecting on these first 30 years of living, I am starting this blog. So, to begin - I shall update my status in life (this sounds complicated, so I will just try this in "list form."): Noah = greatest thing that ever happened to me. having a child was like an act of god, immediatly enacting a revolution on my perspective. Everyone tells you that " it is going to change everything." But I think I internalized that in a way that seemed to say ... things outside of me would change ie: schedules, sleeping, finaces, etc. Those things do change. But I did not accept that it would be ME that would go through the most profound changes. What I mean is, that the world itself has not shifted, but my view of that world (like Picasso in his Cubist period) has been transformed. It has been a traumatic shift for me, but in a beautiful way. Stop everything. "Icky Thump" by the White Stripes just came on the ipod. Sweet Jesus t...
1 comment
Read more

What is Noah doing these days?

What is Noah is doing these days? 1. Noah is obsessed with water. (By "water" - I mean it's properties, temperature, drinkability, etc.) He has always loved to drink water - even more than milk, juice, or whiskey (just kidding!). Anyways, as the weather has warmed he is enjoying the garden hose, creeks, sprinkler, pool, and the sink. Basically, playing in the water is all that he wants to do. Thus, he starts swimming lessons in two weeks. 2. Noah LOVES to be outdoors. He refers to the outdoors as "Bubbles." Though we used to blow bubbles often outside, this is not a daily activity. But Noah insists that the outside is "Bubbles." He also enjoys going on hikes in Daddy's backpack - especially if there is a stream involved. (see above obsession.) 3. Noah now recognizes the following Star Wars characters, machines, droids, etc: Darth Vader, Yoda, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, X-Wing Fighter, Chewbacca, and a TIE Fighter. I am a little bit excited about t...
1 comment
Read more

Ben's May 24 Playlist

1. Grand Champeen (see the side photo - even it rocks) - "Dial T For This" Okay, Grand Champeen is my favorite band these days. Jessica, Jason B, and I saw them in Charlotte a few years ago and it still ranks as one of the the most amazing rock shows I have ever seen. This new album is the next level. They make albums like their life depends on it. 2. Portastatic - "Be Still Please" I will always have a soft spot for Merge records, and anything relating to Superchunk. 3. Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky" - This new Wilco album is an enjoyable listen. I am liking it much more than "A Ghost is Born." Even though I heard that a reviewer called it "the best album the Eagles never made..." What? Put down the Crack. 4. The Hives "Your New Favourite Band" - No one rocks harder than the Hives...no one. I think it is because they are Swedish. When your home country is known most for Volvo, ABBA, and losing the Great Northern Wa...
2 comments
Read more