Ode to Jack
My firstborn baby boy, Jack Henry, turns 11 today (January 8th). He shares his birthday with Elvis, David Bowie, and Stephen Hawking, among others; upon learning this soon after his birth, I decided he was sure to be a musical genius.
And oh, he is that and more, my Jack. People tell you how much you will love your children, but your body can't comprehend it until your child that you've carried inside you is placed in your arms. In those first few seconds of our life together, Jack opened his eyes at the sound of my voice and looked right at me. From that moment on, we were tight. Those early months and years, where we spent so much time getting to know each other, are the most delicious of all my memories. I talked to him constantly from birth, so that he would pick up language early; his first word, at 13 months, was "car." Like me, he read early, and often. For the first three and half years of his life, I was his main teacher until I handed him over to the wonderful people at his Montessori school. By then, I knew he was brighter than I, and I wouldn't be able to keep up with his intense desire to learn.
Jack has gone through all of the typical boy phases: obsessions with construction led to many years of Bob the Builder, then Thomas the Tank Engine (the latter now his younger brother's main hobby). There was a brief period of dinosaur fascination, but then The Lego Years took hold. Just before he turned 6, he put together a Lego ship all by himself. It took him hours, but he was happiest when building from that age until about a year ago.
Now we are into the Long Rule of The Video Game, an era I see no end to. But Jack also loves music, and is currently all about The Beatles. He is learning the guitar, still plays the violin, and is an excellent swimmer. He would still rather read than do most anything else. Jack is sweet and kind, a pure hearted soul who doesn't have a mean bone in his body (unlike his younger brother, The Booger) and goes out of his way to make sure everyone around him is doing well. His empathy knows no bounds, and if he doesn't become a chef, like he's currently planning to do, I could see him being a wonderful veterinarian someday because of his love of animals.
My baby, my boy. My son. He was this little tiny peanut baby in my arms, eleven years ago.
And now he's this big 11-year-old, nearly as tall as I am, brilliant and beautiful, smart and loving, infuriating but hilarious, a wonderful big brother and a fabulous dining companion. I could not have asked for a more perfect first born child than my Jack Henry. Oh my man, I love him so.
And oh, he is that and more, my Jack. People tell you how much you will love your children, but your body can't comprehend it until your child that you've carried inside you is placed in your arms. In those first few seconds of our life together, Jack opened his eyes at the sound of my voice and looked right at me. From that moment on, we were tight. Those early months and years, where we spent so much time getting to know each other, are the most delicious of all my memories. I talked to him constantly from birth, so that he would pick up language early; his first word, at 13 months, was "car." Like me, he read early, and often. For the first three and half years of his life, I was his main teacher until I handed him over to the wonderful people at his Montessori school. By then, I knew he was brighter than I, and I wouldn't be able to keep up with his intense desire to learn.
Jack has gone through all of the typical boy phases: obsessions with construction led to many years of Bob the Builder, then Thomas the Tank Engine (the latter now his younger brother's main hobby). There was a brief period of dinosaur fascination, but then The Lego Years took hold. Just before he turned 6, he put together a Lego ship all by himself. It took him hours, but he was happiest when building from that age until about a year ago.
Now we are into the Long Rule of The Video Game, an era I see no end to. But Jack also loves music, and is currently all about The Beatles. He is learning the guitar, still plays the violin, and is an excellent swimmer. He would still rather read than do most anything else. Jack is sweet and kind, a pure hearted soul who doesn't have a mean bone in his body (unlike his younger brother, The Booger) and goes out of his way to make sure everyone around him is doing well. His empathy knows no bounds, and if he doesn't become a chef, like he's currently planning to do, I could see him being a wonderful veterinarian someday because of his love of animals.
My baby, my boy. My son. He was this little tiny peanut baby in my arms, eleven years ago.
And now he's this big 11-year-old, nearly as tall as I am, brilliant and beautiful, smart and loving, infuriating but hilarious, a wonderful big brother and a fabulous dining companion. I could not have asked for a more perfect first born child than my Jack Henry. Oh my man, I love him so.
Beautiful!!! Your love for your son has brought tears to my eyes!!! I feel much the same for my 26 year old son.
Are we not blessed?? and remember Tara we as mothers had so much to do with it, so please pat yourself on the back!! Thank you AGAIN !!! Kim in Silverton :-0
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So beautifully said. The love for a child is like no other. And someone like Jack is joy and has been from the moment he came into this world. He is love personified. Like his mother is - from the day SHE was born. I should know.....
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Aww. He's almost old enough to be totally embarrassed by your very touching and sweet post about him.
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What a lovely ode to your son! My youngest is 5 1/2 years old and he's a Jack also. He's equally a yummy joy to be around! I've enjoyed all the different ages and stages and I look forward to what lies ahead. I think it'll be good!
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