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My little man grows up

By
Real Estate Agent with Silvercreek Realty Group

Porter James Pugmire

has always been a Mama's Boy.

Porter

He was the 5th child (of Six Children) born into our family, and so his bonding time with Daddy was limited.  With our older children, my husband would take his turn caring for them, so they developed a close relationship with him.  But by the time the younger ones came around, it was easier for Mom to take care of the babies, while Dad took care of the bigger kids.  I was also a stay at home Mom when he was born, so Dad was busy working long hours to take care of us all. 

He has always been a loving boy, and was always so thoughful to tell me he loves me, bring me flowers from the yard, and ask me to sing him lullabies. 

Flower child

One of my favorite things about having small children is to have a small, warm (and sometimes sticky) little hand in mine when we go on a walk or run errands.  While some of my other children would rather run off to find adventures, Porter (being a little more shy) was always eager to hold Mama's hand. 

Porter just started kindergarten on August 25, 2008.  He was very excited to go to school, but a little scared to try something new.  On meet the teacher night I had to literally drag him in the classroom.  Once inside, he met his super sweet teacher Mrs. Kimborough, found new toys, and met new friends so I knew he would have a great time at school just a couple days later.  I still wondered if he would repeat the scene, and cling to my leg on that first day. 

On his first day Porter and I arrive at the school, got out of the car, and proceed to the play ground hand in hand as we have so many times before.  About ten steps onto the playground, Porter pulls his hand out of mine.  I stopped and offered my hand again but he refused it!  He was not about to be seen on the school grounds holding his Mama's hand like a baby.  Now I have older sons who have gone through this stage before, but they usually make it to the 3rd or 4th grade before they get that COOL.  So we make it to the classroom door.  I knew he probably wouldn't give me a kiss, so I bent down to plant one on his cheek.  Guess what~he moved away! 

So I guess it's official.  Porter James Pugmire is too cool for his Mama.  Oh, they just grow up too quickly these days!   

Porter's first day

I've never been one to cry when my kids go off to school.  I am always excited for them to learn, grow, and experience new things!  But I have to admit, this one was hard.  I realize that I only have one child not in school, and I'm not ready for those sweet tender years of snuggles, dandelions, and kisses to be over quite yet.  (I am glad that diapers are done though) 

 

 

 

Kevin McGourty
Realty ONE Group - Phoenix, AZ
Pam - I hear you. Kids grow up so fast. I had five kids in six and half years...so every stage was hit fast and furious and then it was over. Now only one is left in high school (Boise High) -- all the others -- in college (two at Arizona State) or out of college (two). At least you have a few more years before they are all gone. Then get ready....probably lots of grandkids. You Idahoans like lots of kids --- must be the potatoes.
Sep 12, 2008 07:55 AM
Melody Botting
Broker Associate PenFed Realty - San Antonio, TX
You Deserve The Best

I admit I cry every first day of the the school year, choir concerts, award ceremonies, etc...  I am a big baby but I come by it honestly.

Sep 12, 2008 09:01 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
Pam, The good news is (believe it or not), they do go back to holding your hand--and don't mind a bit who sees it. The bad news is they're still sticky :)
Sep 12, 2008 09:56 AM
Pam Pugmire
Silvercreek Realty Group - Meridian, ID
Meridian Idaho Real Estate
Kevin~I have a friend whose children are all very close and she said the same thing.....they just rush through the life phases. I am so glad that I have them spaced out a little. By the time my little guy gets into kindergarten, my oldest will be a Senior. By the time he is in first grade, I will have a college kid, a high school kid, 2 middle school kids, and 2 grade school kids. Talk about running the gamut! What do you mean "you Idahoans"? I still consider you an Idahoan!

Melody~I cry when I watch Little House on the Prairie, so crying at all my kids events is a given. ; )

Carole!~Too cute! ; )

Sep 12, 2008 03:35 PM
Chastity Guevara
Camelot's Quest Realty - Casa Grande, AZ
He is so cute. They do grow up quickly, but eventually he will be you little man again. There is always a day when they realize they don't care what others think.
Sep 12, 2008 03:59 PM
LLoyd Nichols
Premier Florida Realty of SWFL - Fort Myers, FL
Southwest Florida Homes By The Sea

Pam: your little man is growing for sure. He is at that age when others may make fun of him if mom kisses him in front of everybody...and kids can be cruel even when they look cute.Sherish the time with him.Thank you for sharing this lovely story.  

Sep 12, 2008 04:02 PM
Adam Waldman
Westcott Group Real Estate Company - Hauppauge, NY
Realtor - Long Island

PAM - Porter definitely grew up quickly.  I guess I'm lucky that my first grader will still hug me when he says goodbye.

Sep 13, 2008 03:10 AM
Elizabeth Cooper-Golden
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate, (@ Homes Realty Group) - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville AL MLS

Pam, Porter is a little knock out!  I can't believe he "dumped you" so quickly, lol.  He is a strong young man, isn't he? It just seems like yesterday that my freshman daughter was in kindergarten.  I miss those days! 

Sep 13, 2008 04:12 PM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches
Pam, I'm not sure how I missed this. What a beautiful child! I remember when both of my boys started moving away from my kisses. Mike, my 19 year old's first three words were "too much Mommy" with a hand up to keep me from kissing him. Max let me go longer, really to this year at 12. All of sudden, he doesn't like to be kissed. I miss it. They grow so fast. Now, as a joke, when I lean in to give Mike a kiss, he laughs and says "too much, Mommy"!
Sep 16, 2008 01:20 PM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

My four year old loves to bring me pinecones.  I could have started him in Kindergarten this fall, but he has a late birthday, and so we're holding him back until next year.

Sep 16, 2008 05:13 PM
Dave Culbertson
Real Living Home Team - Mount Vernon, OH

Pam,

Well written from the heart. As a father of six (now 16-27) treasure every moment. You can never take enough digital photos, video enough sporting events or school plays. And have some quiet, natural fun...We've had the power out for three days in Ohio from Ike's remnants and we've talked by candlelight, laughed, shared memories and stories...it was a special time this week. Encourage them to get outside to play and be creative...not so much computer, video and TV...We messed up there. But you're right, the first ones always get more attention, get read to more, etc...a natural curse. Try to avoid that, young parents.

Dave Culbertson, Broker/Owner, Real Living Home Team, Mount Vernon, OH

Serving Apple Valley, Knox County, Mount Vernon, Ohio and surrounding area.

Sep 16, 2008 11:05 PM
Kara Casamassina
International Property Management Group, LLC - Aiken, SC
Boomers and beyond

Awe - you need to stop a block away from school and get the hugs and kisses in before you get there, Pam!  They do grow up fast.  Mine is 22 now and I remember that first day of school like it was yesterday. (it was a crazy morning to say the least)  Great post.

Sep 17, 2008 12:35 AM
Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com

The tough part is when you have them in all the different schools possible... currently I have one in college, one in high school, one in jr. high, and two in elementary... thankfully I don't also have one in pre-school... my memory is good but there were a few times that the schedule had my reeling.

Sep 17, 2008 08:00 AM
Greg Nino
RE/MAX Compass - Houston, TX
Houston, Texas
Very Nice Blog Pam. I can relate as I was big momy's boy as a kid, heck as adult too.
Sep 17, 2008 01:52 PM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Alright Pam, you haven't blogged in awhile so I am coming by just to say "hi." I can't think of a better place to come back by again than with Porter's smiling face. He must be a joy to be around every day.

Sep 17, 2008 04:13 PM
Greg Nino
RE/MAX Compass - Houston, TX
Houston, Texas

Where's Pam??

Sep 20, 2008 04:58 PM
Charles Buell
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector

Pam, I have five myself and it seems like the yougest grow up the quickest but are the hardest to let go of---even though you have had 4 to practice on:)  I just dropped my youngest off at his second year in college----how the heck did that happen?----I am still there myself:)

Sep 29, 2008 04:49 PM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!
Pam, your son is a handsome young man. Thanks for sharing your story and your family. One of my granddaughters started kindergarten this year, too. She was scared at first and had a couple rough weeks, but finally starting to adjust and make some new friends. I still can't believe she's old enough for kindergarten. They grow up way too fast!
Oct 01, 2008 08:55 AM
Kristi May
Allen Tate Realtors - Burlington, NC

Porter is so cute and love the name! Pam, how do you have small children and do real estate? I am still struggling with that one. I have one that just started kindergarten as well so I completely understand your feelings! I have never been an overprotective mother but I found my self wanting to put a bubble around my daughter to protect her. I have twins boys also that are 3 and in preschool only half a day so I have limited time to actually "get things accomplished". Any advice?

Oct 28, 2008 03:23 PM
Kristi May
Allen Tate Realtors - Burlington, NC

Porter is so cute and I love the name! I have a daughter that started kindergarten this year so I completely understand! I have never been an overprotective mother but I wanted to put a bubble around my daughter. Pam, how do you have small children at home and do real estate? I have twin boys also that are 3 and they are in preschool only half a day. So I have limited time to actually "get things accomplished". Any advice?

Oct 28, 2008 03:26 PM