I know it’s a cliche, but time really does fly.
Eric doesn’t read my blog, so I figured it would be safe to do an Eric through the years pictorial tribute.
Of course, most of the pictures I have are not digital or easy to get to so I’ve got a limited selection to work with.
Eric was even rocking it when he was a baby. We never really know what sort of influence we’ll be, or what impressions we’ll leave, as our kids are growing.
Eric was probably more like 2 and a half in that last shot. I’m glad he grew out of the “looking like a preppy” phase.
Eric’s very short-lived tenure as a Cub Scout. Activities like that and sports didn’t go over so well with the non-custodial parent.
It’s funny as I look through these pictures that I begin to realize I did influence the boy in a way. He’s got a bit of my goofy streak.
Eric in desperate need of a haircut. His hair is so thick, when his summer buzz cuts grew out, it always looked like he was sporting an Afro.
Fishing with Pop (my Dad) in Virginia.
Eric and my parents on his 12th birthday.
Curling with Tim. He was between 12-13 here I think.
Eric (age 14?) visiting with his brother and sister (on his father’s side) at Cherrystone Campground in Virginia, where I dropped him on the way home from my brother’s house.
This is Eric in uniform during his time at the Freestate Challenge Academy, a National Guard-sponsored youth program that rescued Eric (and the rest of us) from his challenging high school days.
Here’s Eric looking all “gangsta” with Hubby and I after Amy’s wedding.
I think my sense of humor definitely wore off on him. He’s a good sport about just about everything.
Here he is with his new, pink pouf at around 19. He needed a pouf and it was the only one we could find at Walmart.
This shot is relatively recent. I lifted it from his (or his girlfriend’s) Facebook page.
Speaking of girlfriend… here Eric is with Kelsey. This one is only about two months old. Ah, to be young and in love. They look so happy together. And she’s a real sweetheart, too.
Happy birthday, son!
Raising you wasn’t always easy (every kid presents a challenge), but I’m proud of the wonderful young man you have become. I love you!
What a lovely walk back into your personal history. Really sweet.
I hope Eric realizes how lucky he was to have you as his mom.
Aw, Shy-B. That’s sweet. It’s sure scary to think of myself with a baby at 22! But he survived relatively normal.
Love the Afro look! 🙂 I bet you’re feeling a bit nostalgic today… Wish him a very happy birthday from Yves and me!
Awww. You’ve made me feel all choked up. I like Eric (now that I feel like I know him) and his wonderful smile AND his mom. Beautiful post!
Kath, these pictures are awesome! He really looked a lot like you when he was younger, now the whole grown up, man thing makes it not so obvious..:) Congrats on raising such a wonderful young man!
Thanks for the nice comment. I laughed out loud at the whole “grown up man thing.”
Great pix. Loved seeing Eric as a little boy. Your comments are a hoot. Glad you think Kelsey’s a sweetie, of course we do too! And we love Eric. He is a great guy and we do love his sense of humor! BBFE!
Thanks, KM! Eric is a chip off the old maternal block in a couple of regards. I love that he loves to cook. And that you guys enjoy the fruits of his labor! Kelsey really is a great girl. They make a very cute couple. I love the BBFE, too. 🙂