Monday, February 14, 2011

Man-child's Valentine

I knew it would happen sooner or later.
Man-child has a girl friend.
INHALE.... BREATH!!

One weeks ago, we were shopping and he asked if he could pick something out for her as a gift. Well, Man-child picked up a teddy bear that cost $30 and a $20 box of candy. Problem - He only had $10. BREATH!!! Very delicately, I say, "This is an expensive gift. Let's go back and find something that you can afford" He rolled his eyes and I inhaled. We finally found a very nice box of candy with a teddy bear attached to it for $12.

This past weekend, his Dad BLESSED him with money to take his girlfriend to the movies. (I had to do a Hallelujah Dance) I listened as they worked out their plans. Man-child said "MOM, she is going to come over here and you can drive us to the movies". Problem - Man-child, you don't tell me what I am doing. You are suppposed to ask. INHALE... Once she arrives, we get in the car and he begins to send her text messages on the phone. HECK NO... TALK .. I dont' care what y'all are talking about (well, at least that's what I said out loud) I asked them what movie were they going to see. Both said "we don't know". Silence.

This was very awkward for me. Seeing him smile so much that his cheeks turned red. He changed his shirt at least four times, combed his hair, put polish on his sneakers (yep) and brushed his hair a minimum of six times. I am thinking "Dayummmm ...is this what it's going to be like".

Inhale .. Breath.. Inhale.. Breath

Once we get to the mall, we stopped to see my cousin, who was promoting his new CD's for kids. Really, it was just my attempt to hang out a little while longer with them. I reminded Man-child that they were to remain at the mall, eat, see their movie and call me to come back to pick them up. He huffed and said I embarassed him -but I didn't care.

As I drove home, I thought about my son on his first date. Some would argue with me that 15 is too young to be dating. TRUE.. but I would rather take them then to have them sneaking around. I've watched too many of my friends SCREAM and HOLLER at their kids about dating. Unfortuneately, a lot of them have teenagers with kids. I also remembered some of the things I did at that age. GEESH!!!

I sat at home - half reading and watching the clock. As soon as the phone rang at 7 pm I was already in my coat and out the door. When I picked them up, they said the movie was "Good" and were silent again. I drove her home and I watched him walk her to the door. I laughed because he was trying to figure out if I was watching them and he began to whisper in her ear. (I think his attempt to get a kiss) When he got in the car, he said nothing and I just drove home.

These next few years are going to be difficult for me because I realized that minute that I am no longer the #1 Girl in my son's life. At least for now.

Inhale... Breath

11 comments:

  1. Your doing great Mom..and there is nothing wrong with a movie at 15. In fact, this is how he'll learn what, when, how..etc..you know the deal !!
    ((hugs ))

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  2. I was kicked to the curb when Evens was in pre-school. A little girl would wait for him everyday to take his coat and hang it in his cubby. They are getting older and I'm loving every moment of it. We get to shape them into the gentlemen we want them to be. This story made me smile.

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  3. Awwww, that is precious. Scary, but precious. Yep, he's entering the dating phase now and it'll definitely bring on a new level of anxiety for you. But keeping talking to him and above all, keep breathing!

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  4. This is soooo cute and sweet! He's growing up and he's keeping you in the loop (you're the chauffeur and gatekeeper at this point) -- he NEEDS you. :-) However, 15 is not too young to date...in a couple more years, he'll be legal - so it's not too soon to introduce dating etiquette, respect, etc.

    P.S. Sis - you did a LOT of inhaling -- EXHALE!!! You are raising him right and he's doing all the right things.

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  5. LOL!!! This is so sweet!!! But you keep doing what you're doing, Cilla!!! You and your son have a wonderful relationship. You have taught him well and continue to teach him the best you know how!! Kudos to you and all the single mothers who are holding it down!!!

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  6. Ah!!!

    I had my first boyfriend at 14 so, that's the age I'm going with for my kids. Yes that's easy for me to say right now. LOL

    I'm learning so much from you on raising boys. With two of them I need all the help I can get.

    Love that he's romantic, you did good girl.

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  7. Oh 'Cilla you'll fine, just like you're doing great raising him. I understand the angst of having your baby go from "your baby" to a "teen" almost "young adult."

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  8. Hang in there Cilla, I'm dreading dating rolling around for my babies already and they are both under five. I think you did good.

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  9. Hi Cilla -
    As was said - just relax.
    It is a rite of passage and Man-Child is doing it right, because his mama should him the right way.
    One day you will look back on this day with fondness and both you and Man-Child will laugh together on the memory of this day.

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  10. I'm lovin' it. He will be fine. You are doing a great job.

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  11. Go with the flow Momma. He's a great kid and he'll be alright. He is what Olympus needed in her life someone that likes her for her and not the physical. It's great sometimes not to have street wise kids, there's a bit of innocence about them. You'll both be OK.

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