Whoops.
He is indeed 16, as of a few weeks ago.
My first kid is six feet tall. He’s going to learn how to drive. He’s going to take college classes.
And I’m all, “Whoa, this is not possibly happening because I’m pretty sure I’m still in my 20s. Right? Right? No? Oh, well, okay then…..”
(As it turns out, I’m actually 37, which is exactly 16 years older than I was when Joshua was born. Funny how that works.)
You know how when you have toddlers, random people love to rain on your life by telling you that the worst is yet to come, and just wait until they’re teenagers and then you will really be hating life?
Well, I’m here to say that my teenagers (I’ve got two so far) have been at least as delightful as their toddler selves. And usually much more delightful. 
I mean, there are some challenges with teens (It’s not like you have to do geometry with toddlers, so there’s that.), but it’s pretty lovely when your children start turning into interesting people that you want to hang out with.
Joshua’s thoughtful, he’s a good big brother to his trio of sisters, he’s kind to small friends and cousins, he’s a great artist, he’s a faithful member of our church band (I’d be in trouble without him!), he loves God, and he still doesn’t think he’s too cool to hang out with his parents.
So. The doomsdayers were wrong.
Mahshid says
Happy Birthday to him! You should really be proud of him! Although he is so because of you raising him that way, but he also has a very great spirit! Good Luck to him on the path ahead!
isabelle says
“”You know how when you have toddlers, random people love to rain on your life by telling you that the worst is yet to come, and just wait until they’re teenagers and then you will really be hating life?””
Ahah, I have A 3 yo and a 5 yo, and I do get that from time to time. Whatever, I don’t care. Not all teenagers turn craaaaaazy hey! They will be what they will be, and we will deal with it, positive or negative. So far so good!
Nancy says
Happy Birthday to Joshua! The years do go so fast – my older son graduated college in the spring and has just started a real adult job! His brother is a junior in college – I can’t figure out how this happened because I certainly haven’t gotten older!
Julie@frugallyblonde.com says
Happy B-day to Josh! My kiddo is turning 14 this week. Even he said it seems he shouldn’t be 14. He said he is scared of turning into a scary teenager. Which is hopefully a good sign that he won’t become one!
Kristen says
I’d say so! I bet he’ll be fine.
K D says
Happy Birthday to Joshua. I too have been reading your blog for years and I find it hard to believe he is old enough to learn to drive. I have a hard time fathoming kids younger than my 19 year old being so grown up.
Three cheers to you and Mr. FG for your awesome parenting.
p.s. Joshua is handsome as all get out (and I love the joy in his smile/whole being).
Kristen says
Yeah, I’m a little, “Wut.” about him being old enough to drive too. Oy.
Linda Sand says
He has your smile! I’m not the least surprised that you raised such a wonderful young man.
Kathy M says
Wow! 16~ Happy Birthday, Joshua.
How long have you been doing the blog? I guess I have been reading a lot longer than I thought because Joshua seemed so little just yesterday, and the girls, too. They are getting so tall.
I imagine it is true that life goes faster as we age. I know where near feel old but realize I am a senior citizen by some people’s standard.
Blessings to you and your family.
Kathy M says
correction. nowhere, not know where, oops.
Kristen says
I started mid-2008…so a little over 7 years now, which means Joshua was almost 9 years old when I started. That’s the age my youngest, Zoe, is now!
Katy @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says
Happy birthday, Joshua!!!!!!!
I adore my teenager sons, they’re smart, hilarious and great company. Three cheers for amazing teenagers!
Hip, hip hooray! Hip, hip hooray! Hip, hip hooray!
Amanda says
I taught high school for years, and I LOVE teenagers. Those years are such an exciting time of life as kids start to realize all the possibilities for their future and decide what impact they want to make on the world.
My kids are little, and I won’t wish away the fun of these years, but I’m really looking forward to seeing them as teens.
Carrie Willard says
I agree, my teenage boys are a delight. However, my 12 year old daughter? Different story.
priskill says
Aw, Happy Birthday! And I concur — love my grown up daughter’s self maybe more even but in a more hands off way (obviously!) Such a lovely tribute to a fine young person — you are justly proud
!!
Battra92 says
I don’t want to think how old I will be when my kid is a teenager. That’s the downside to starting later on I guess (but I had my 20s mostly to myself which was nice.)
Happy Birthday to Joshua. There are times I wouldn’t mind being 16 again but then I remember all of the problems I had at 16 and then I change my mind.
The best is yet to come.
Kristen says
Oh yes-there are upsides and downsides to having kids late OR early. I don’t think either one is necessarily the best choice. They’re just different.
Kim from Philadelphia says
…and he’s handsome, to boot!
I think much of his awesomeness can be credited to you and Mr. FG and the loving, creative, disciplined home environment you create for your kids. Of course things can still happen, and even the best parents can end up with a very difficult teen- but you two did it right!
My son is 9 and I live the person he is becoming. He said to me the other day, “Mom, when I become a teenager I want to be cool and fun, but really nice, smart, and kinda geeky.”
Yep, perfect recipe as far as I’m concerned!
Molly F.C. says
Happy Birthday Joshua!
My husband & I have two teen daughters & a nine year old son. Regarding the girls, there are challenges for sure, and there have been some things about the teen years that I haven’t liked BUT overall my girls are great. We are very close as a family, and hang out alot. We value making the time for us all to be together, and it has paid off immeasurably.
Beth H. says
Its a sign of good parenting when you raise kids you actually like to be around. My father always told us growing up that he loved us. As adults he tells us he’s REALLY glad that he also likes us so much too
That was, of course, until the grandchildren came along, and now they have Poppop’s heart!
NMPatricia says
I loved my kids when they were small and it seemed that the love just grew. And I agree. They were fun when they got older and began to be fun to just hang out. Yep, the parenting concerns changed, but they just changed. And I love them now more than over 30 years ago. Congratulations on experiencing the same.