Twelve
September 29, 2017
If you ask him how middle school is going, he'll say: "It's fine. It's long." And yet he still auditioned for (and was accepted into) the afterschool jazz ensemble, which he says "flies by so fast" because he likes the "jazzy music" and because his saxophone "is like, the main character of jazz."
He's tall and lanky and huge and handsome and at least a couple girls have noticed, but he's not interested, no, ew, stop. (But don't you dare say things like girls can't game or code or use "throw/play/scream like a girl" as an insult because you will get an earful.) The kid who couldn't stand Halloween is now begging to go on ghost tours and jump-scare haunts. Next week he's going away on a two-night, outdoor education field trip with his class and I'm the only one who's even remotely stressed about it. "It'll be fun. All my friends are going."
He still asked for a Lego set for his birthday, but probably mostly because he hasn't realized he can ask for gift cards to Steam yet. The Lego obsession is slowly giving way to video games and drawing comics and YouTube, though he still likes to spend the occasional afternoon constructing a massive 3D version of some video game building/map/world down to the tiniest detail. His capacity for memorization amazes even me, the person who can still quote at least nine seasons of Simpsons episodes practically verbatim. His love and passion for American history is as strong as ever, although he recently got into his first polite but heated political argument with his grandmother.
"I don't know where she's getting her news," he said later, shaking his head, "but I really wish she'd change the channel."
At 12, Noah is the most Noah he's ever been. He's also just the most, you know, 12.
Happy birthday again, buddy. You gotta stop with this, because it's also flying by so fast.
Have you taken him to the American Revolution museum in Philly yet? It's amazing!
Posted by: Lisa | September 29, 2017 at 11:12 AM
Oh my stars! "I don't know where she's getting her news," he said later, shaking his head, "but I really wish she'd change the channel." This applies to so many of us and our relatives, Noah!
Posted by: Denise | September 29, 2017 at 11:15 AM
Wonderful kid.
Posted by: Darra | September 29, 2017 at 11:25 AM
You REALLY need to dust this room, Amy. My eyes are all watery from it, and I don't have dust allergies.
HOW can he be 12? Hell, how can my Favorite Oldest Nephew gonna be turning 27 next year?
I hope 12 is the best 12 any 12 year old ever had. If anybody can rock 12, Noah sure sounds like he's off to a good start.
Happiest Birthday wishes to your (whispering) almost teenager!
Posted by: Sue W | September 29, 2017 at 11:43 AM
Why use words when emojis suffice. 😢😍
Posted by: Lori | September 29, 2017 at 12:44 PM
That’s exactly what I say about MY mother and HER news! He’s wise beyond his 12 (TWELVE!?) years, that one.
Posted by: Sarahd | September 29, 2017 at 12:53 PM
Beautiful post, and he sounds like an absolute sweetheart.
Posted by: Heather Laura Clarke | September 29, 2017 at 12:57 PM
OMG, you buried the lede, and now my throat closed up, and my eyes are watering, and--geez, how can I be so attached to this family I never met? Because of your writing, that's why! Congrats to Noah!
Posted by: Springsteenfan | September 29, 2017 at 02:11 PM
Wow, I can't believe he's 12. Happy Birthday, Noah!
Posted by: Amy in StL | September 29, 2017 at 02:27 PM
Aww, Happy Birthday, Noah!
Posted by: Dori P | September 29, 2017 at 02:32 PM
Happy Birthday Noah! I hope you have your bestest year yet!
"I really wish she'd change the channel" made me spit out my coke (must go clean my desk now, lol).
Posted by: Rachel | September 29, 2017 at 03:20 PM
As a loooooong time reader, and a mama, my heart is just BURSTING!!!!!!
Happiest of happy birthdays, Noah!!! You have no idea how many random people all over the world, whom you've never met, just love you to pieces and are so proud of the awesome human you are and continue to grow into. Keep doing you because it is something pretty special!
❤️🎉✨❤️
Posted by: Beth | September 29, 2017 at 06:15 PM
Happy birthday, Noah! You are amazing <3
Posted by: Jelourai | September 29, 2017 at 10:00 PM
Happy birthday, Noah! :D
Posted by: Chi | September 29, 2017 at 10:27 PM
Twelve? TWELVE?!? No way. And in Middle School? I swear he should be just a tiny thing still...
Posted by: MissingNoah | September 29, 2017 at 11:27 PM
One does not grow out of legos. Legos are forever.
Happy Birthday Noah.
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 30, 2017 at 10:15 AM
12!!!!!! He sure sounds like one awesome kid though. Good job mom & dad!
Posted by: Lauren | September 30, 2017 at 02:10 PM
Every year. Every year your kid turns the next age and I can't believe that'll be my kid in a few months. Happy birthday, Noah.
Posted by: Christine | October 02, 2017 at 10:55 PM