day 207: eye to eye

Standing in the kitchen yesterday morning, I was approached by my 13 yr-old.  We were talking about what he and his friends did the night before, and why I wanted him to come with us to his younger brother's cello competition, and blah and blah and blah, and before I knew it I realized I was staring straight at him.  Not down an inch or so to see into his eyes, but straight.  Maybe even up a half inch.

This is not a huge accomplishment, being that I am only 5'2", but to me it means there is only one left.  One person smaller than me left in this house.  And if everything goes according to past experience, I have a couple of years left before I am out-heighted.

When they are babies we measure their progress by physical progress.  Sitting up, crawling, standing.  Then come the other measurements, like kindergarten and baptism.  But the physical stuff comes shooting with double barrels again when the acne kicks in, the voice changes, and the pants get too short, and all of a sudden my kids are men and I am the little lady that cooks for them and reminds them to make good choices when they are away from home.

15 comments

Dona | March 13, 2010 at 11:04 PM

Isn't it amazing! I have a couple that will probably be shorter than me but they out "heighten" me in other ways. I love how they just grow into who they are.

Lola Sharp | March 14, 2010 at 8:12 AM

I only have one, but she was taller than me one day when she was 12.
I'm 5' 4"...she is now, at 14, 5'7". I've been the shorty in this house for a while.

But I'm way smarter. ;o)

Juliana | March 14, 2010 at 9:37 AM

I was snuggling with my youngest (by one minute) this morning and was just overcome with the SMALLNESS of his cute little body. So I took a minute to tell him how I loved his cute little toes, cute little feet, cute little calves, cute little knees, etc. I have to especially enjoy it right now because he will look HUGE after the baby is born! They're all growing up way too quickly.

Heidi | March 14, 2010 at 3:42 PM

My youngest, the only person left in the house smaller than I, asked me the other day why everyone's kids are taller than their parents. It's so true! My daughter is taller than I, my son is taller than my husband. It can't be good nutrition--not at our house.

Marianne | March 14, 2010 at 5:32 PM

It's a difficult moment when the discipline starts coming from below!! Two down, two to go for me. And I have no doubt, I'll be the shorty around here before long.

Anonymous | March 14, 2010 at 5:39 PM

Kazzy, you might only be 5'2", but I can't imagine you ever being a "little lady." ;)

Kazzy | March 14, 2010 at 7:00 PM

together: I will completely take that as a compliment!

Charlotte | March 14, 2010 at 7:46 PM

I noticed yesterday that the day is not too far distant for me. I am the shortest in my family growing up and have been since my sister turned 12, I think I'll probably be the shortest in my family now. But right now I'm still the tall authoritarian and I'll enjoy it while it lasts!

wendy | March 14, 2010 at 8:38 PM

It is always amazing how it all of a sudden just HITS you ....that they got so tall, and so grown up.
and even when they are in their 30's, as a mom, you'll be reminding them to make good choices.
It's what we do.............shorty (tee,hee)

Joanie | March 14, 2010 at 9:07 PM

Spent some time this weekend helping Matt clean out his closet. It was fun just doing it together. He will always be my son.

Joanie | March 14, 2010 at 9:07 PM

Spent some time this weekend helping Matt clean out his closet. It was fun just doing it together. He will always be my son.

Kazzy | March 14, 2010 at 9:17 PM

The mothering will go on. Just to taller, grown-up people. :)

Miss Tinselly | March 14, 2010 at 9:20 PM

Deven outhighted me awhile ago, my girls are both as tall as me, but I still have The Beef. I make sure to cuddle him and hold him on my lap while he is still little enough, and while he'll still let me :)

amber_mtmc | March 14, 2010 at 10:23 PM

You may be little in height but I'm sure you make up for it in wisdom. I have known a few people who, though short, I always looked up to. I am sure that is how it is with your kids.

Lara Neves | March 15, 2010 at 11:14 AM

And yet, they will ALWAYS look up to you, which is really wonderful.