Thursday, June 18, 2009

The Middle Child



Today is a special day in our family, as our little Cory Social Animal turns 20. When I remarked upon him leaving his teens, he said, "I guess I'm a young adult now" That was so cute. He is, though, a very nice young adult. Social Animal and I have always gotten on especially well. We seem to have a similar sense of humor...he can work the sarcasm almost as well as I.

When Social Animal came along, I already had a 3½ year old and a 2½ year old. He came right into the mix and made his mark, always a happy baby. As he grew up he was busy, busy, busy. I had to just run after him constantly. He was one of those kids that did all these sitcom kid things. Name it and chances are Social Animal gave it a whirl. He has always been soooo smart. He read early and has always had this great affinity for math. It all makes sense to him and he can explain it to you if you want. When he was in second grade, he and his best friend wrote this huge serialized adventure story. His teacher loved it. She would take the sections home that they'd written and she and her fiance would take turns typing it up. We ended up with this enormous notebook, a couple hundred pages typed. Okay, there might have been a little repetition...they were 7. But that is what often comes to mind when I am thinking of Social Animal...how he goes all in. He got his name for a reason. He's always been a true social animal, with many, many friends. Busy as he was when he was younger, he maintained that, but eventually I didn't have to run after him anymore. I just watched the dust as he sped off :-) Now Social Animal is a college student studying Psychology and he works as an EMT. Yes, that tattoo above is his. He got it a couple of months ago and was so excited. It is sort of the same one his grandpa, dad, and uncle have...although theirs are smaller and on their upper arms. Those Injuns :-) *sigh* What can I say? My baby with a big cow skull tattoo on his sweet little back.

I love and admire him so much. Such a fine young adult.

Happy 20th Birthday, Social Animal!

14 comments:

NoRegrets said...

yay! He sounds wonderful. you're not biased at all..

Ananda girl said...

What a charming young man! I love his tattoo. He sounds like someone that my Max would get along with very well. And someone who knows where he is going!

Happy Birthday Social Animal!

I really enjoyed this post.

Anonymous said...

He sounds like a very ambitious and fun character. Happy Birthday, don't grow up too quickly.

Tara said...

A wonderful post for a wonderful kid...er...young adult!

He's going to learn so much by taking psychology. I loved those classes.

3GKnight said...

I'm not much for tattoos, and you don't sound too enthused either, but that thing looks good!

Happy Birthday!!

Ananda girl said...

"Quixotic" ??? Well... gotta get the dictionary out. '-)

Sebastien Millon said...

Happy birthday social animal! and the tattoo is great, I'm all about skulls. Feathers are a nice touch as well.

Sebastien Millon said...

Oh, I am so happy with that Natalie Dee link, didn't know of her, her stuff is awesome and absolutely hilarious!

MrManuel said...

I think it is so cool that so many men in your family have the same tattoo. Good luck to him, it sounds like he has a lot going for him.

laura b. said...

NoRegrets: Of course, I am the most impartial of parties :-)

Ananda: Wouldn't it be cool if Max and Social Animal ever met? I'm glad you liked the post. Oh, and Quixotic...what a brain teaser, eh?

AlienCG: Ambitious and fun are just the right words for him. I think he is someone who really appreciates his youth and is sure to make it last :-)

Tara: He really is a great guy. I love my psychology classes too..I might have majored in it had it not been for the math required :-)

3GirlKnight: Yes, tattoos are okay, but it is odd seeing one on your child...even once he's not a child :-) It does look good though, thank you.

Sebastien: It is a very striking image...you? Into skulls? Who would have guessed :-) And yes, I LOVE Natalie Dee!!!

MrManual: I like the idea of a family tradition too. My two older sons haven't gotten a tattoo yet, but if they ever do I am sure it will be that same sort of image. And thanks for your kind words :-)

Anonymous said...

Belated greetings from me!
That is one cool tat!

laura b. said...

Daffy: Never too late for a birthday greeting! Thanks :-)

Churlita said...

What a great post for a great kid, er, young adult. I hope he had a great birthday.

laura b. said...

Churlita: Aw, thanks very much.