Big Boy

My son Gregory is a big guy. To look at him, you'd never know he's just 16.

A week ago, we needed to order football gear for upcoming camps and tryouts. (I have a secret hope that he will get a full football scholarship.) None of the local sporting goods stores have ANY football equipment yet! They said they will start getting it in August. Not too helpful when Greg has football camps in June and July. So, my intrepid husband did some online shopping. He found Football America and we ordered the stuff.

It arrived Thursday night, and the picture shows him trying on the pads. I am so happy it all fits him.

Well, football gear needs to fit the person. I have complained a lot to Greg's school that they need to order stuff big enough for him. They assured me they would, but I had to tailor his practice jersey so he could wear it without it choking him! We were a little leery about ordering stuff online without him trying it on. Fortunately, this site had sizing charts and measurement information. So, I dug out the trusty measuring tape and learned:

Head size: 23 3/4 inches. (Yes, he DOES need an XL helmet.)

Chest size: 51 1/2 inches. XXXL jersey.

Waist: 43 1/2 inches. (At least, where he wears his jeans. His true waist is probably smaller.)

Hips: 47 inches.

Now, lest you think he's a candidate for "The Biggest Loser," let me add: he's 6'4" tall and weighs 290 pounds. Think "meat wall" not "Pillsbury doughboy."

When my husband and I got a new bed recently, we gave our old King size bed to our son. He fills it up all by himself. If he gets any taller he will need a California King. Sheesh.

Oh, and if you are wondering, he wears a size 15 EEEE shoe. He's worn that size over a year now, so we are hoping he won't grow any more. It's hard enough to find shoes and clothes to fit him now.

I still introduce him as "my little boy." He seems to get a kick out of that. I'm 5'2" so he towers over me. As you can see in the picture.