Sometimes I catch myself fussing over my adult friends. When I become aware of it I tell them, “Sorry, I’ll stop momming you now!” For example, we were having Thai food with some friends last night and it was Stag’s first time at a Thai restaurant. I immediately started naming off things I thought he might like, just as I would with my picky 11-year-old daughter. I expect this sort of thing happens to most mothers!
Aiden is almost 17 years old and I have him to thank for the term momming. I suppose I would define momming as part “outstanding quality time with Mom” or “wheedling Mom into doing things I can do for myself, but feeling special and loved as a result.” Aiden defines it as “micromanaging with the other person’s best interests in mind.” Either way, it feels great when he says, “That’s some good momming right there!”
Aiden has maintained a consistent style for years. Hoodies, athletic shorts (absolutely no denim and no pants), matching long socks with silly designs, and slides (unless it’s a gym day and then he’ll don the sneakers). His thick, shaggy hair has been an important part of his look but he decided to try a new style – shaved on the bottom with the option to pull it back when the mood strikes. He is 6’2″ tall and it feels so strange to rest my cheek on his chest when we hug.
Aiden recently got his driver’s license but does not seem to enjoy driving (an odd trend among teenagers these days). Like many teenagers, he loves playing video games with friends, although he occasionally chastises himself when it interferes with his exercise routine. He enjoys working out in the gym and is fascinated with the mechanics of the muscular and skeletal systems, as well as the science behind nutrition. His knee was hyperextended during wrestling practice which fractured his tibia and led to visits with orthopedic specialists and physical therapists. As a result, he’s become quite interested in being a physical therapist and helping others through recovery. At this time, Aiden is seriously considering joining the Navy, intrigued by the various medical programs they offer. Aiden is a junior in high school but is eligible to graduate early after completing the first semester of his senior year.
Aiden has always been emotionally mature for his age. He spends time researching ways to improve and educate himself on subjects that interest him. He continuously impresses me with his quest for personal knowledge and I thoroughly enjoy our conversations as he works through figuring himself out.
Isabella is an adventurous, creative 11-year-old. She is extroverted and curious, easily making friends wherever she goes. She loves anime, video games, drawing, and art projects (she’s particularly skilled at sculpting with clay). She loves working on costume projects with Greg; they are currently working on an anthropomorphic wolf costume she designed. Anthropomorphic happens to be one of her favorite words. Isabella is all about being yourself, regardless of what others think of you. She is not “girly” and prefers comfortable clothes to whatever is in fashion. Shoe shopping with Isabella can be challenging because the choices are entirely too sparkly! She likes an underdog and has done her fair share of standing up for kids being bullied this school year. Unfortunately, she has also experienced some bullying, but holds her ground and refuses to be anything other than herself, which makes me incredibly proud.
Isabella is a lover of all animals and spends time researching those which interest her. I will never forget the epic meltdown a few years ago upon learning we could not have a penguin for a pet. She’s also a big fan of puns and likes throwing those around along with her animal facts. Isabella also loves to cook, forgoing recipes in order to concoct her own interesting pasta and soups. However, she draws the line at most veggies, calling herself a carnivore who likes fruit.
Aiden and Isabella bring so much joy into my life. Being their mother has taught me so many invaluable lessons, momming among them.