Owen - Happy 17th birthday. Yikes! How are you that old?! (Or me for that matter!) It's true what they say - once you have kids the years seem to fly by faster and faster. I can't believe that you are nearly an adult.
Your birthday fell on a Saturday this year. While we could have waited to have the birthday party on Sunday, you decided it would be best to have the party on your actual birthday. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but since you and Rose always share birthday parties with your birthdays just two days apart, I wasn't sure how you'd feel about sharing your special day with your little sis. But you were surprisingly accepting of the idea. We had a fun-filled time celebrating your 17th birthday and Rose's 10th with family, food and gifts.
After opening all your birthday gifts from the guests, you were chomping at the bit to get onto my computer to order some new Nike gear that you had been eyeing. Little did you know, I had already purchased them for your special day.
Later that night, we celebrated with dinner of your choice. And of course, you picked Orchid. You cannot get enough of their orange chicken and white rice. You always ask for the orange sauce on the side and never even open the container. It heads right to the trash while you devour the glorified chicken nuggets and rice.
Owen - you are full blown teenage boy these days, obsessed with your hair, skin and teeth. The latest fashion trend you've adopted is the eyebrow slit where you shave a thin line through your eye brow. You think it looks cool, despite having accidentally sliced open your skin while attempting the intricate cut many a time.
You are a philosophical thinker. Always asking big, random, thought provoking questions. Your mind is like a sponge and can reiterate specific details and facts related to news, movies, books, even the bible. You spout out information with such conviction and confidence it's hard to know if the crazy thing you just said is actually true. Most often it actually is, although there has been a time or two that I've proven you incorrect.
After all these years, you still ask me if you can get a dog. You would LOVE to have a puppy of your own. However, I'm not sure you'd be up to the task of tending to the needs of one. So instead, you will have to pour your love into your cousin dogs, Rudy and Scout.
You have become quite the chef in the kitchen. Your most regular menu items include oatmeal, noodles, and pancakes. Rarely do you follow the recipe. Instead of measuring your ingredients and setting the timer, you eye-ball your measurements and check on its progress whenever the mood suits you. I often find a boiling pot of water on the stove with no Owen in sight as you've gotten sidetracked on another task at hand. Once your meal is ready to eat, you nearly inhale it. You are often done eating even before the rest of us take one bite. I'm not even sure if you chew or just swallow it whole.
You have had more than your typical share of medical procedures this year. In December, you broke your collar bone at school. It was a quite unexpected phone call to receive. How in the world did you break a bone in health class? It took a bit of time to get the whole story out of you. You initially said you slipped while doing yoga in class, but eventually you fessed up. One of your classmates decided to do a wrestling move slamming you down on a mat and SNAP went your collar bone. You didn't want to get him in trouble, so fibbed to your teacher. After several questions and prying, we finally got the truth out of you. Although you still refused to name the culprit to ensure he wouldn't be punished. You are quite the good friend.
In April, you had your first ever surgery (thankfully) and had your wisdom teeth removed. You were so brave and all smiles as I was escorted out of the room so they could begin the procedure. I had a hard time holding back the tears. Everything went smoothly and quickly, and soon after I was able to see you again. You were coming out from under the anesthesia and so very silly. You were not supposed to talk but yap, yap, yap you went. You couldn't help it. You are naturally a chatterbox. The nurse would ask you to stop talking so that the gauze would stay in place, and you'd pause for a few seconds and then start chatting once again. No matter how many times she asked to be quiet, you simply could not comply.
Last Christmas season, you joined a group of kids at Totino Grace who were visiting a nursing home to spread some Christmas cheer to the residents. You tagged along for something to do, and ended up befriending a sweet elderly couple, Peg and Bill. Their children lived far away and rarely visited. You just happened to be in the right place at the right time to brighten their day. When you returned from the trip, you happily chatted away about your newfound friends Peg and Bill and requested to go back to visit them again. So a couple weeks later, Pa brought you back. You didn't know their last name or their room number, but you were determined to track them down. You eventually found Peg and had a wonderful time with her. How very heartwarming it was to hear about your lovely visit.
You have an amazing knack for falling asleep pretty much anywhere - the car, on the floor of a crowded room, even in a restaurant! I will catch you napping at all hours of the day. You sleep like a bear in hibernation, often dazed and confused when you initially arise from your slumber.
In February, you took your very first flight all by yourself. You traveled to San Antonio to meet Pa who had been there for a work trip. You joined him to spend the weekend with your birth mama, Luz. This was your second trip to see Luz, and you always have a wonderful time with her.
We were all quite surprised when Luz immigrated to the US, but so thankful that you have been able to build a relationship with her. You look just like her - it's wild to see!
Owen, you have grown up so quickly. It's scary to think that in just one more year, you may be spreading your wings and leaving the nest. I can't quite wrap my head around you no longer living at home. I have offered up the option many times of you staying, although you seem eager to explore the world. But this Mama is not ready for her baby bird to fly the coup.
A very happy 17th birthday to our first born. Owen, you are such a smart, inquisitive, creative soul. We love you forever and for always.
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