Michael & Aftershave

The other day I noticed an unusual smell. It wasn't a disgusting smell, just a smell I couldn't quite place. I walked around the house trying to figure out where it was coming from. The scent got stronger as I got to the downstairs half bath. I opened the door and discovered a bottle of Kevin's aftershave on the counter. I immediately yelled for Daniel. He is usually the culprit when it comes to getting into things that do not belong to him. I know, I know, not fair to blame without proof, but hey, he has a reputation. Well I question him and he is honestly offended that I am questioning him. I do not believe him but don't punish him because I really have no proof.

This morning, I look at the clock and notice that Michael running a few minutes behind. I come downstairs and hear him messing around in the bathroom. I tell him to hurry before he misses his bus. He comes flying out the bathroom and out the front door. I immediately knew something was up because he is my one child I never have to beg for kisses. He kisses me every single morning before going off to school. I go into the bathroom and there is that same smell from the week before. I realize I heard him rustling in the medicine cabinet. I fling the front door open and yell to him as he's walking up the street, "I know you're wearing dad's aftershave!"

I come back in the house and chuckle a bit. Then I wonder...who is wearing aftershave for?!?! I have to ponder all day (ok, not really, I was too busy for pondering). He had to stay after school for some tutoring and I had to go pick him up. I had forgotten about the scented incident until he got in the car and I got a whiff of his lovely man smell. I immediately smile at him and ask him why he's getting into his dad's aftershave. His cheeks go red as he tries to tell me that he didn't. I tell him, oh come on, I can still smell it in the bathroom. His whole neck and ears go red. I ask him who he is wearing it for, smiling nicely the whole time. He says no one. I ask him why he has decided to wear it, he shrugs his shoulders and I see tears start to form. I stop questioning him and simply tell him that I understand he's getting older and wanting to wear aftershave or cologne (no aftershave, I mean he's 12 and doesn't even have peach fuzz!) He tells me that he wanted to wear it to smell like his dad. Yes, go ahead...give it to me...awwwwwww. He has been wearing one of his dad's pullovers (yes, can you believe it's not overly big on him, gasp!)

I'm not ready for him to grow, but I live for these sweet tender moments.