Teague

Despite our swaddling and month counting, Teague Ezra has suddenly morphed into a snazzy teenager overnight. He’s classy like the 1950’s, has an old soul, and since birth has reminded me of a little elderly man. He is a spitting image of his Papa E, especially when he stands with his hands in his pockets. I think I know exactly what he will look like when he’s grown.

His eyebrows are a circus act, as they can do about any trick (he’s real big on brow dancing). Actually, he’s a dance-dance, dance-dance, dance machine (watch him now) but his friends don’t know so keep it on the down low. Pretty sure he’s made of rubber is all I’m saying.

Teague is famous for asking, “What did I miss?” anytime he’s been gone, even for a couple hours. And, “What a guy…What a gal…” is his signature compliment. He gets more invites for play dates than anyone else in the house which means he’s rarely ever alone here or there. He’s a happenin’ dude. 

He’s also got those amazing eye lashes that all his sisters wished for. And fingernails, too, for that matter (but I refer to them as talons). He looks puny compared to the kids in middle school but I assure you, he’s all heart: a huge, gold, and tender heart. 

I remember the first time I caught him in a lie; we both cried our eyes out over it. Always been especially tender to such things. He’s unbelievably modest, and unusually humble. He’s full of compliments and accolades for his mama, and tells me he loves me all day long (accompanied by the best little guy hugs). He’s my most affectionate child of all six — go figure.

Teague could care less about clothes and hair (and hygiene: that wonderful age) but I can dig it as it keeps the gals at bay. He’s all about friends and gaming and percussion. And, he’s always been a drummer, since the beginning. He taps ALL the things ALL the time. I am constantly saying, Son… and he knows just what I mean to say next. He can be heard drumming his body in the shower and exits with torso “beat” red. Oh, and his shower singing is Sanatra-esque. He might get embarrassed about this so don’t mention it. 

He gives mad props to the kings like Elvis, and Michael Jackson, and can whistle the Andy Griffith theme song like he’s the actual soundtrack. He loves black and white shows, classics, figuring things out, and I think he’s going to make a great dad one day. 

He’s got an engineer’s mind and an aptitude for numbers. I can take no credit — that’s his dad. He’s extremely picky, and critiques my dish washing ability often. He never believes me that they’re clean, and inspects each cup carefully before committing (this is also his dad’s doing, which I believe comes from his dad). 

He’s messy and forgetful, and I’m sure he’ll marry a woman who doesn’t mind all this to gain his good points. He has trouble sitting down at the dinner table, but can melt into the chair with Fortnite FOR.EVER. He is super chill and yields his will often for the sake of siblings. There’s really only one person who riles him to a yell and that’s Tru, his 7 year old sister (and in all fairness, she makes us all yell at times). He’s a sweet big brother to his little buddy Tate, and he’s a cool little bro to his big sisters. The boy can hang in this gang, that’s for sure.

He’s a great sport, never a sore loser, always looks on the bright side, and remains amused by simple things. What more could a mother ask for? (Maybe better organizing skills and improved short-term?) 

Teaguers, you are a phenomenal son-of-a-gun, and I’m so glad I get to be your mama. Happy 13th birthday from the lady who is preparing you for the lady who will take over after me. 

P.S. I hope she likes to dance, too ❤️