And Then He Was 12

He talks football stats and strategy non-stop and throws a beautiful spiral. He loves to swim and fish; and eats crabs and lobster and shrimp and octopus and mussels and just about everything else that comes from the sea.

His memory is amazing - for everything but where he last put his shoes. He's lucky at games and cards; six more years and I'm taking him to Vegas.

He's got his own style - brightly dyed hair, stacked Lokai bracelets and mismatched socks.

He still likes to cuddle up on the couch and will hold my hand in public (as long as there aren't too many people around), and says he "loves me more".

He's given us 12 years of joy; today we give him Happy Birthday wishes.