You know...this 9-years old thing is kind of freaking me out. All of a sudden, Jude is so...independent and...big. And I'm afraid I have mixed emotions about it. Because while his new-found independence gives me a certain amount of independence, which I enjoy, it also means...that he no longer needs his Mama. Which is sad. Sigh...
This weekend we went Cub Scout camping on Catalina Island yet again. This is our third year to make the trip. We love these little camping expeditions, and the Catalina trips are particularly cool. A 2 hour nausea-inducing ferry ride to the island, ocean swimming, kayaking, hiking, a place called Pirate's Cove, terrible food in the mess hall, lots of good stuff. And in the past, we did absolutely everything together, he was my little shadow, he wanted his Mama with him for everything. But this year...
It started when we arrived down in Long Beach where we catch the dreaded ferry. Los Angeles traffic on a Friday afternoon is deadly, so we headed out early to beat the traffic. This meant that we got down there with about an hour to kill before the ferry left. Luckily, several other boys and their dads had already arrived, so we all decided to head over and explore the Queen Mary, which is docked there.
When we all got aboard the beautiful, historic ship, Jude told me he wanted to go off with his friends and explore. Without me. I was stunned. But then the dads suggested that we go up to the Lido Deck, or whatever, and have a lovely cocktail...
Which was rather pleasant.
When we finally got on the ferry and headed over to Catalina, I think the kid actually checked in with me twice, in two hours. TWICE. The rest of the time he was running around with a pack of boys wreaking havoc. Without me. I was stunned. But then I got to read my book for TWO hours. Which was rather pleasant.
On Saturday, when we all had to take the hideous ocean swim test, which qualifies you to be able to kayak, Jude decided that instead of taking the "beginner" swim test, which most of the boys take, he wanted to take the full "swimmer" test, which meant he could pilot his own one-man kayak. We all plunged into the FREEZING ocean water, and swam the four laps from the dock to shore...
...and then, Jude opted to swim the extra lap back to shore with one of the dads. Without me. I was stunned. But then I realized that I didn't have to swim that extra lap in the arctic water with him. Which was rather pleasant.
After a morning of kayaking in our separate one-man kayaks, Jude suddenly announced that he and his pals wanted to go off and "explore by ourselves". Without me. I was stunned. But then I decided to go back in the water and kayak BY MYSELF for an hour. All alone. SO peaceful and relaxing. Which was rather pleasant.
But then that night, after a day of being the super independent 9-year old, we did climb into our bed in our little tent, and he was snuggled up close. All night. With me. Which was rather pleasant.
And the next morning, he decided that he wanted to take me on a hike, and show me what he and his pals had discovered the day before. With me. Just me. I was stunned. We hiked up, up, up and around, around, around. He showed me all the cool sites he had discovered without me the day before...
aw...that has to be tough. It's good to get that alone time, but I couldn't imagine that bittersweet feeling you get when he wants to go do his own thing. But very sweet he wanted to take you on a hike and show you what he discovered!
Posted by: Alaina | 05/21/2012 at 06:09 AM
It is very hard to let go. The first time my oldest boy showed any sort of modesty sort of rocked my world. Then when he had a genitalia related question he asked his dad. Never before had he asked his dad any sort of body related question. It hurt. Until I figured out that I could now defer all those types of questions to his dad. It was freeing show how.
Posted by: Michele | 05/21/2012 at 06:46 AM
Glad you found some pleasant mixed in with everything! Such cool memories. I tried to pretend I didn't see the pulling away when my son was nine...now that he is pushing 15, I really can't ignore it!
Posted by: Andrea | 05/21/2012 at 06:52 AM
Between the ages of 9 and 15 is the best time to be the mother of a boy.
Despite the fact they smell.
Badly.
(Anyone who tells you they prefer a 14-year-old girl over a 14-year-old boy needs to be committed to the nearest mental institution, post-haste.)
Posted by: Jan's Sushi Bar | 05/21/2012 at 06:59 AM
This push and pull, give and take, it's enough to make a mama pass the hell out. But, still, it is all rather pleasant.
Posted by: Arnebya | 05/21/2012 at 07:02 AM
So, basically, your weekend ROCKED, wouldn't you say? :-)
Posted by: Sprite's Keeper | 05/21/2012 at 08:58 AM
Turbo is going through those independent moments too. They are kind of nice in a peace and quiet sort of way.
Then he will go and do something like beg me to chaperone the field trip. I guess in the end they do still need mom--even if they don't want the other guys to know.
Posted by: VandyJ | 05/21/2012 at 11:22 AM
How wonderful. I love how you told this. So weird -- my memories of Catalina Cub Scout camp are so grim -- you have such a better attitude about it all and are a far nicer mama, I do believe!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 05/21/2012 at 11:44 AM
omg, I can't wait until X shows that kind of independence.
Well, yes I can.
Okay, I see your dilemma.
Posted by: Keely | 05/21/2012 at 08:06 PM
It is sad that they grow up, but also pleasant at times!
Posted by: suzicate | 05/22/2012 at 10:14 AM