This is twelve.
stories and snippets from the frontlines of age twelve.
Our oldest
I have long enjoyed experiencing cinema with her; it has only become more of a bond as she has aged, and now we have watched Signs and The Adjustment Bureau together; just the two of us over multiple nights, and it has been wonderful. I love how she observes people, character, relationships, and the questions she asks as she tracks what’s happening. I can feel the glee and joy in experiencing a captivating story and it makes my heart sing. Quietly. Find things to connect about.
It is wonderful to see the friendships she has developed; the ways in which she and her closest ones reinforce and support one another. They all have a strong interest in academics and most in reading. They make things and do things and create and discuss and play games and run. I love that. I am so glad she has neat friends.
I love how one of the first things she does when walking in the front door is to go over to our 2009 iMac and start up a playlist on Spotify. Our house is meant to be filled with conversation, love, art, and…music. She has absorbed and ritualized that and I love it.
We have begun to take for granted her helpfulness in certain areas, such as making lunch for her siblings on the days we’re home. It is wonderful.
Trying to find small ways to make little moments solo, like watching Shyamalan films after the younger ones are in bed. (Nov 2019)
Our second oldest
Chess. Halfway through 12, that is the thing. The big thing. There is no disguising the things that fascinate and interest him at a particular point. He’s all in, starting in January 2023.
Loves ice cream, which is difficult to reconcile with some of his other disdain for dairy in general.
Loves to snuggle with his mom…and reluctantly with me.
Growth spurt and accompanying appetite. 3/23/2023
Sleep rhythm starting to change. To bed later (9ish), doesn’t always get up on his own, which is a shift (6am-ish). Has started taking naps sometimes in car. 5/3
Competitive with his older sister about many things.
Finding his stride with…tone and deference and humor all swirled up together. How to be respectful and sincere when you also have a great sense of humor.
