Mason's 9th Birthday

My baby, my first born, my pride and joy is now my big boy. Mason turned 9 on September 22nd and I realized that next year he is officially a decade old. For his birthday we and his friend Clay went to Houston and stayed the night at Aunt JuJu's house (she's cooler than I am now because she has a pool - Mason says so). The next morning Julie kept Reagan and Connor for Richard and I to take Mason and Clay to an Astro's game. We had a great time and I was so impressed with how well behaved and mature the boys acted. They actually watched the game and talked about what was happening but secretly, deep down inside somewhere, I longed for just one more cartoon themed party with crying kids and screaming parents (or vice-versa as is usually the case). I've caught myself hugging just a little bit longer or snuggling just a little bit more because for the first time in his life, I'm not sure how much longer it will be cool to hug or snuggle with mom. I want my baby to grow up and become a strong, independent man, but do I really have to grow up with him?