My oldest turns 10 this week – Double Digits. In anticipation, he's been educating the two youngest on the Intricacies of Being a 'Tween. Every morning you'll find him coming up with new “rules” or facts about what 10-year-olds like or dislike, do or don't do.

He started out by telling them he would be spending more time in his room. He said he'd most likely start watching much less of channels like Sprout with them. He explained that he, instead, would be up for more mature fare, such as movies for 'Tweens like Jump In.

He told them he might need some time to be alone or just hanging out with older friends. As he tells them these things, they pay rapt attention and hang on every word, it seems.

Where these “Rules” com from is any body's guess. My thought is that my son is just experimenting with personas again, trying on what he thinks will “fit” a man of his new stature.

It's been a crack up to watch, and bittersweet as well. All this is coming from a little BoyMan who still sleeps with tons of stuffed animals and falls asleep to the sound of Wonder Pets (yes, the Nick Jr. show for preschoolers). The same ManBoy who wants a mohawk complete with long tail, and a Nintemdo DS for his birthday. The one who counts off how many more years until he can drive, yet still wants nightly Cuddle Time with Mom.

He's so clearly still a little kid, yet, I can see that Future Man peeking through, too. It truly is bittersweet for this mama. I have loved every age and stage that he has gone through, and I wonder when he will start squirming away or being embarrassed by parental affection. Each time he sits on my lap, I wonder if it will be the last time, just as I did when I was nursing him so many years ago, and he began to wean.

I will miss this little boy, but look forward to the New and Improved ManBoy to come!

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