Deal with it, Mom.

My boy's reaction when I told him I couldn't believe he turns 10 today.

Denial, my boy, denial. That's what led me to scoop my hefty chunk of a boy into my arms last night and give him a piggy back around the front yard. I figure as long as I can carry him around he's still my little boy, right?

I'd better hit the gym.

Last night we did our customary night-before-birthday routine -- watched a couple episodes of "Monsterquest" (the actual show changes each year - but it's whatever his dudely show du jour might be), snuggled under a fuzzy blankie (oh lord, it was HOT), and I tell him stories about when he was a baby until he falls asleep. The rules state that I'm supposed to stay with him all night but sweaty boy + fuzzy blanket + furry dog + mom who tends to run a little hot anyway all crammed on the couch = no sleep for mama. Plus, C yelped in the bathroom, forced to flee mid-pee due to a menacing (?!) cricket skittering around the toilet. So, I had to remove the cricket (I considered going to get the frog to catch the cricket but figured it would turn into a whole big 'old lady who swallowed a fly' kind of mess so I reconsidered) and by then thoughts of my own bed were simply to hard to resist. I was duly reprimanded this morning.

Right now, the birthday boy is playing Angry Birds like his life depends on it on his brand new Nook Color. He let his big sister buy his "old" (as in ... purchased on his birthday last year) non-color Nook for $60 so it's a good day for everyone (especially whoever makes money off of Nook Color apps.... can you say a.d.d.i.c.t.e.d?). No doubt, this kid loves to read but apparently it hasn't occurred to him that one can actually read books on the Nook Color. Note to parents considering a Nook purchase - get the B&W one... the display is much nicer for reading and it doesn't play Angry Birds. No matter, he loves it and sooner or later he'll read again... right?

The menu for our day-long festival du R is set:

Croissants
Vanilla+Coffee+Oreo milkshakes
Garlic Bread
Salt+Vinegar potato chips
Mini Babybel white cheddar cheese (or, preferably, cheese curds if I'm able to find them)

Grandma is making a salad because let's face it, adults can't eat like that and have any kind of prayer of pooping for a week.

Later, I'm sure everyone will set off fireworks, eat BBQ, and drink too much bad beer in his honor. Really folks, he's an awesome (!!) kid, but there's no need for all that. He'd be perfectly fine with a Barnes and Noble gift card and a high five.

And oh yes - I love my son, cherish his kindey-crushing hugs, delight in his sense of humor, and marvel at his full-tilt approach to life.

Happy 10th Birthday, Mr. Whiskers!!!