Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Carter, A Teenager

We'll have a teenager in this house on Sunday and trying to explain how this feels is hard to do.  Every milestone in parenting is important and we have been flying through them recently.  Kids reading, losing teeth, tying shoes, using checking accounts, and more.  We're out of the baby years and seem to be diving head first into the "big kid" world.  And, while I usually go into each stage kicking and screaming, I'm - for the first time ever - embracing this new life.  No diapers or car seats.  Kids can buckle themselves in on their own.  They sleep 12 hours a night.  Everyone is in school all day.  It's all together amazing!

But, with each change, I pause and think back to how all of this started.  This crazy little Starnes family.....with all its quirks and faults and challenges and blessings......all began with a little boy named Carter.  He gave us a life we never could have prepared for, filled with joy and laughter in equal measure.

He has his father's sense of acceptance and flexibility, adapting as we moved around the country....built, bought and sold houses.....started new adventures......gave him siblings.  They share a laid back attitude towards life.  They share a name.  They have a similar sense of humor.

He looks a whole lot like me, people say.....a little Clemens, no doubt.  He's inherited my love for books.  And, even with his laid back persona, he embraces life and lives it fully.  I'd like to think he got that from me, too.

Carter is whip smart with a 4.0, he's a super athlete, he's popular and funny and sensitive and loving in a way I didn't know sons could be.  He's a lot like Lainey and not much at all like Jack, yet, they've forged a friendship I had not anticipated.  

What I like most about this child is that he has mastered a quality that few can do well even in adulthood.  He's confident, yet humble.  With all his blessings and talents, he remains approachable, kind and a good friend to many.  That makes me most proud.

So, here's to 13 years of Blake Carter Starnes.  

May the next 13 be just as exciting!



































14 comments:

Dee Stephens said...

Such a big milestone in life! Love how you wrote about him. Sounds like an awesome kid. Sorry I didn't get to meet him when I was out there! Congrats! Many more fun years to come!! ;)

Jodee said...

What a sweet post! Carter sounds like such a great guy! Love the trip down memory lane. I don't miss the baby stage and I try to embrace whatever stage we are in!

Sarah said...

Ok I'd be lying if I said this post didn't make me tear up a bit :) Happy birthday to Carter!!

xoxo,
Hann

Tutus and Choo-Choos said...

Happy 13th Birthday Carter! What a wonderful post about your soon-to-be-teen! Best of luck on the next phase of life.

Emmy said...

Sounds like such an amazing boy! You are right, there aren't many adults that know how to be both confident and humble. Happy Birthday Carter!

Leiah said...

There's nothing in this post that I don't love love love. And you even included a picture with Batman.

PS: The last one is still on the fridge with all my other friends and cussmans.

Jo said...

Sounds like a great kid and I'm sure there are going to be lots of girls who agree ... oooh the next 13 years are going to be interesting!

Enjoy the ride!

Mama Sue said...

Thanks for sharing all those moments with us. Being the mom of a teenager has been super fun! Something I had not expected based of my experience with the rest of the girls in the family. I think Carter will be an amazing teenager. Happy Birthday Carter!

Jboo said...

What a great milestone -- sounds like a fabulous son and brother too! Have fun celebrating!

Monica said...

Such a sweet message and such a sweet boy! Happy Birthday Carter! You're one lucky guy.

Kristen said...

Granted I cry at the drop of a hat these days... but this made me cry. Good tears and stuff, but crying nonetheless. What an amazing kid. I know how proud you are.
And I am so happy that Batman made it in the slideshow of Carter... Belated, but happiest 13th year on Earth to your incredible young man.

raybanoutlet001 said...

converse trainers
cheap nike shoes sale
oakley sunglasses wholesale
coach outlet
hermes belt
nike blazer low
adidas nmd runner
longchamp outlet
michael kors outlet clearance
cheap jordans

Unknown said...

coach handbags
ugg boots
true religion outlet
air jordan 8
nike air huarache
ugg outlet
longchamp handbags
washington redskins jerseys
cheap nike shoes
nike shoes

Unknown said...

zzzzz2018.6.15
cheap basketball shoes
reebok shoes
coach outlet
valentino shoes
adidas ultra boost
pandora
new nike shoes
lacoste outlet
tods outlet
nhl jerseys