the kind of kid

Berkeley is the kind of kid who doesn't really like me blogging about him. To that, I will argue that this is not just his birthday, it is my fourteen year anniversary of being a mom. So if I need to mark it in some outward public way, he's just going to have to cope.

Besides, Berkeley is the kind of kid who understands his mom, and is quick to forgive.

Berkeley is the kind of kid who also makes his mom stop and think. Like this weekend. I dropped him off at the church to go to camporee. I asked him if he had payed his $10 to his leader yet, thinking maybe Mike took care of this. Berkeley said no, but he had his own money on him for that. Oh, your own money, okay. Well let me give you ten dollars anyway, because there is going to be rock climbing and other things that you might want money for. Again, he said no, he had extra money for that. I tried to give it to him, to physically force it on him, and he batted me away. He said "if I only have my own money, I'll be less likely to spend it." This is where I stop and think, you see, because for me that sentence is an enigma wrapped in a riddle.

Berkeley is the kind of kid who believes in self-sufficiency deep in his core. He is the kind of kid who can't stand the thought of frivolous spending. He is also the kind of kid who wants to grow up and avoid any kind of pampering. Not that he's in a rush to grow up.

Berkeley is the kind of big kid who knows how to play like a little kid. He is a loyal friend and loves having his buddies around him. Here are some shots from his "party." At this age, we're finding, a party is food and friends. Nothing more is required. No loot bags, no pin-the-whatever-on-the-whatever. Just music, laughter, and spontaneous games involving pelting each other with grapes, or chanting around the fire.






Berkeley is the kind of kid I count myself blessed to know. Thanks for making me stop and think. Happy Birthday, kiddo.