Denying Change

I’m totally in denial.  I cannot believe that this is the last week of school.  A few more days and school’s out for summer! And I really can’t wrap my head around the fact that tomorrow – June 17^th – Matthew will be graduating from elementary school – moving on to middle school.  This doesn’t even make sense.  Not even a little.  I joke that middle school was yesterday for me.  It really does feel like it wasn’t THAT long ago.  (Yes, I’m in denial).  But, really!  How is it possible that I’ll have a kiddo there?  The drama, the teen angst, school dances, the smelliness, lockers, the acne, the girls…the part that I’m dreading the most though?  The 6:42am school bus pick-up.  That’s just stupid.

Matthew seems ready for middle school.  He says he’s excited about it (but also totally dreading the early mornings).  He’s excited to have a little more freedom and time to himself.  (He’ll get a whole hour at home before Zach gets home from the bus).  He’s ready for the change.  But am I?!

He came down the other night while I was doing dishes in the kitchen and proudly said, “Mom, I’m becoming a man!”

“Uh, yeah?” I asked nervously.

“I have armpit hairs…like THREE!”

“Oh, really, let’s see ‘em.”

He raises his arm and Vanna White-gestures to said hairs.  (I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t actually look closely ‘cuz I didn’t REALLY want to see said armpit hairs).  In my best talking high pitched talking to a baby voice, I said, “Oh wook at those wittle hairs.  They’re so cute!”

With a perfectly executed eye roll, Matthew put down his arm and (trying not to grin because – for the record – he did think it was funny) 6^th grade huffed on outta the room.

He’s ready.

I’m not.