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.