(Has the social corner of the internet grown into an almost-teen right alongside Nathan? Yes? Yes, it has. The first iPhone was born the same month he was, and well, here we are living in this whole new internet future.)
He's TWELVE today. (!!)
Happy birthday, baby Nathan!!
I wish I had a lovely real professional picture of him but alas, I don't yet, that won't happen for a few more weeks (I'm getting less rigid in my old age) (haaaaa HA you know that's a lie, obviously) (it's just been a busy few weeks and I decided it could wait) (hmmm actually that does sound legitimately like less rigid; I'll take it) and ANYWAY here, enjoy this pic of him from his first day of school yesterday, instead:
He started 7th grade yesterday (still on a modified schedule) and doesn't it sound so old? Seventh grade? He had a good school year last year, which we were surprised and grateful for (surprised because transitioning to middle school sort of sucks amirite? and grateful because we ain't no fools). He loved Chinese best, and took a new interest in history/ social studies. He still likes math and science too, but seems less attached to them over other subjects than he used to be. He does that thing where he's so balanced/fair/noncommittal (Hufflepuff!) that it's hard to tell sometimes what he really likes best, because he seems to moderately enjoy almost all of it. But his affinity for Chinese is clear.
He is still playing his cello and had a great year in orchestra, much better than we knew to expect at his new school. He gets to combine with the band kids and play in a symphony group with brass and winds and percussion which is new to him and has been a really rewarding musical experience.
He has also leaned all in at church this year. He adores youth choir, has turned into a decent little tenor, and seems to have a renewed interest in worship and youth group and faith formation. We did a new (to us) conference at Montreat this year, and he got to be a Music and Worship conferee (Anneliese too!) which they both really liked.
He continues to be obsessed with sports, more obsession in my book than is really warranted considering we have very much screeched the breaks on anything beyond Y teams or city rec league. He watches soccer and football and baseball and fancies himself a future professional, which... mmmkay. (I know, I know, this is normal 12yo kid things, I just need to roll my eyes a little.)
He is still eating everything in sight, says his favorite is steak and also Asian food. He loves Master Chef Jr and still likes to try "helping" in the kitchen and at the grill. He started reading the Lord of the Rings books, but secretly when he doesn't think we are paying attention, he still can't quit the Who Was biographies and takes them to bed on the reg, to read under the covers. He is more and more outgoing and might even be turning into the most extroverted person in this house? (I don't even know what's happening, y'all.)
He loves playing soccer with Charlotte, making videos with Anneliese, trampolining and minecrafting and outside pretending with both of them, building legos in solitude, and he has more patience for little-sister Beanie Boos than I'd ever expect of a kid his age, and yet I'm also not super surprised.
He is kind and confident. He is very anxious and stressed when things don't go how they are "supposed" to go, and we like to joke that his life MO might be "the rules are in place so everyone can JUST HAVE FUN." (Rules: he likes 'em.) He is also bossy and helpful and shows excellent judgement. He's responsible and independent in the best kinds of ways -- managing his own school stuff with very little input needed, riding the city bus home from school on his own every day, getting himself up and going every morning, remembering his schedule and his calendar things. He is curious and snuggly and is in motion 80% of the time. (Growing bodies, man.) He is a really wonderful human, and we love him.
Some of our favorite moments this year are in the video below, including grandparent visits, flights to Minnesota (including a Vikings stadium tour) and to California (!!!) to see Clemson play in the national championship bowl game (I know that's not technically what it's called, don't @ me). Plus Montreat and a road trip and general fun at home:
(If you can't see the video embedded above, click here to watch it on YouTube.)
We love you so much, buddy. And yes, you're twelve and still a baby, thank you for agreeing to this arrangement. Happy birthday, dear Nathan.
Past videos and memories:
Nathan's 10th year
9th year
8th year
7th year
6th year
5th year
4th year
3rd year
2nd year
1st year