Our little guy turned 12 a couple of days ago. Twelve .Just a few short years ago we were bringing Josiah home from the hospital as a new born, with both of his eyes patched, not really sure what life would look like from that point on.

Then in the blink of an eye, he’s 12, on the cusp of becoming a teenager and growing facial hair.

When did that even happen?   When did this little guy grow to be a mini man?  When will he start shaving?  How is that even going to happen?  I watched him in the tub this morning, trying to figure it out.

Hair cuts are so overwhelmingly difficult for Josiah, how will we ever attempt shaving whiskers?  Will he be the only kid in 6th grade sporting a mustache?  The only one in 7th grade with a beard?

I thought about wax strips. You know, the kind you warm up with your hands, adhere to your skin, then rip off really fast.  Of course, we’d have to attempt this while Josiah sleeps. And then, we’d only get one shot at it.  Rick and I would have to work in unison, each applying and removing wax strips with synchronized precision. Otherwise, Josiah would be awake in a heartbeat and we’d only get one side done.

Then, he would be the only kid in 6th grade with half a mustache.

Maybe it just makes more sense to let his facial hair grow. I can’t imagine a razor coming in close proximity to Josiah’s face and all going well.  First there’s his incessant bouncing, then the sheer terror of something new and different happening, not to mention the strength with which Josiah vehemently opposes anything he is not on board with.

Yeah, I think shaving is highly overrated.  Josiah may only be 12, but quite honestly, something like this may be a good look for him.