My kids are much younger than your son but still it feels hard sometimes to let go and let them grow. My son lately needs me less, spends more time out of the house and has moments of being quiet and pensive in a way that's very different from his childish silliness. i haven't quite figured out how to fully connect with this version of him. I know we'll figure it out together, this change has come about in a matter of months and it's all new. I'm thrilled to see him thriving in so many ways, becoming so sophisticated and growing into his talents. But I also miss my sweet baby and the simple closeness we had.

Granite it sounds like your son is growing in thrilling ways too. It's a good sign that he wants you to know his girlfriend and wants to be together for holidays. Your relationship with him is changing and that takes time to figure out. He is becoming his own man which is what he's supposed to do. He is capable of loving and being loved. That's wonderful. But I get that the change is hard and that you might miss an earlier version of him.