1. He hates shopping
2. Mac and cheese for dinner makes me an instant hero
3. He doesn't care what he or she said about him (unless it's someone he cares about and they are legitimately mad at him for a legitimate reason)
4. Bionicles and legos! (Are these the coolest toys, ever, or what?)
5. I never had to play with Polly Pockets, Barbie or My Little Pony
6. It's his dad he's trying to break away from at this age (and yes, my dear friends with teen and tween girls, my heart goes out to you)
7. He doesn't want a cell phone
8. He thinks My Space and Facebook are a waste of time
9. He can hug hard enough that it hurts
10. I've never had to sew Halloween costumes - a broom and a drawn-on lightning scar were enough most years
11. Jokes, jokes, jokes, jokes, jokes, jokes, jokes
12. He's a nerd and proud of it!
13. He's tender and chivalrous with his female friends, his female relatives and with me
14. He's loyal and caring with his male friends
15. He has no qualms about seeming "smart" in school
And the thing I hate about raising a boy:
He has to register for the Selective Service in four, short years.
