Just like that, I have one more Teen in the house: Happy 13th Birthday, Ayd!

According to the dictionary, the definition of 'Teenager' is actually pretty straightforward:  “a young person between 13 and 19 years old”. But as all parents of teenagers know, the reality is much more complex.

Adolescence is a period of rapid changes. Between that ages of 13 and 19, for example, a parent ages as much as 20 years. 😂

And now, I have TWO teenagers in the house!

Yes, Ayd turns thirteen today and boy, what a ride it has been.

It has been 3.5 years since Ayd turned down the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) offer and I have to say things have turned out mightily fine. He got into his secondary school of choice and he is happy... which is what really matters most to the wifey and me.

So Ayd has grown up, but not too grown up yet... stuck in this weird phase between being a little boy sometimes and beginning a new phase as a teenager. Just like his older brother. Kids' menus also don't do it for him anymore and he counts as an adult at buffets, on the plane and in hotels. Still developing and maturing; he still hasn’t quite become a young man, but is quickly getting there.

And with all these, it comes a little more freedom, a lot more responsibility and a big lump in the Papa’s throat.

Thirteen freaking years old.

But beyond the changes in his body chemistry - strange hair emanating from the skin, strange pitches emanating from the voice, and strange aches emanating from the bones as they grow - Ayd is still the kind, goofy, lovable and generous boy that I have known for the past 13 years.

So what I want him to know is this:

Ayd, as you grow and your responsibilities increase, there will be peaks and valleys in life. You are smart, wise, talented and honest (almost to a fault) – these qualities, and so many more to get through anything. And of course, you will always have the greatest support in your Papa and Mummy no matter what happens.

It has truly been a pleasure to watch you grow and mature. And I cannot wait to see what is in store for you. Keep being you, and I will always be your greatest fan.

I have said it before and I will say it again, I love you as much you love noodles. Happy 13th Birthday, son!


P.S. I may annoy you now sometimes but there was a time you wanted me to be around so much that you begged me to watch you poop. Remember that.