Its so much easier when they are little.

Really, I promise you it is. With a little one, you can stop the fussing with a hug, a kiss, or a cookie. When you are in the midst of those sleepless nights when they are tinny, you think nothing can be harder. I know...I thought that too. But those are the easy days. Well, not easy but easier than dealing with an almost hormonal adolescent.

My oldest son is going to be 10 next month and I would swear he has already entered the early stages of puberty. He is moody...he is argumentative...and everything is about him (whether it is or not). I love him dearly but this stage may drive me nuts. This morning I told him that I loved him tons and tons. His response was "Are you sure? Are you really sure?" and, when I said yes, he said "Prove it." ARRGGHHH I told him I didn't know how to prove that. He would just have to take it on faith like his belief in God. Marty also has that teenaged tendency to be convinced people are yelling at him even when they are talking in smooth measured voices. And, he only does this when he is in a pissy mood so I know it isn't a real hearing issue. Marty has also decided I don't think his jokes are funny because I told him this morning that I didn't like his sarcasm because it could be misinterpreted. I tried to tell him I did like his jokes and I did like to play and HE ARGUED WITH ME ABOUT IT. I may not survive the teen years with him.

Whew...that feels better. Now that I've gotten all that bitching and kvetching done, I want y'all to know that Marty really is a fabulous kiddo. He adores his baby brother and is fairly tolerant of Joey...even when Joey is being a truly aggravating little brother. And, although he doesn't always like to share with Joey, Marty is generous to a fault with others. When his school was raising money to help Katrina victims last year, he insisted on donating the $32 dollars he had saved for himself. Marty usually helps willingly around the house (except when it comes to cleaning his room...LOL) and also loves to help others. He is an incredible kid and, if we can just make it through puberty, he will grow up to be an amazing young man.