Celebrity Celebrity Family Celebrity Kids Tia Mowry Celebrates ‘Compassionate’ Son Cree on His 12th Birthday: ‘I Am Just Endlessly Proud’ "He’ll always be my baby!" the actress wrote a touching tribute to her son By Marisa Sullivan Marisa Sullivan Digital News Writer People Editorial Guidelines Published on June 29, 2023 10:39AM EDT Photo: Tia Mowry/Instagram Tia Mowry is celebrating her son Cree's 12th birthday! The actress, 43, wrote a touching tribute to her son on Instagram Wednesday as he enters young adulthood. "I literally can’t believe Cree is 12 today," Mowry began her post, adding a crying emoji. "I remember being pregnant with him like it was yesterday, and now he is growing into a kind, generous, compassionate, independent, and smart young man that I am so proud to call my son." "Every day, I am blessed to witness his natural curiosity and adventurous spirit, which I am sure will lead him to great opportunities and a life full of fun! I am just endlessly proud of him, and even though he tries to act grown, he’ll always be my baby!" she continued. "Love you Cree." Mowry posted photo memories with Cree over the years, including one showing him in her arms as a baby, wearing a black-and-white striped onesie. Another shows him with his sister Cairo, 5, posing with some of his sneaker collection. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Tia Mowry Says Her Kids Were 'Part of My Decision' to Divorce Cory Hardrict: 'Greatest Lesson for Them' Cree's birthday tribute was shared on the same day that Mowry opened up about her divorce from ex Cory Hardrict in a cover story for HelloBeautiful. The now-single mom told the publication that filing for divorce from the All American: Homecoming actor, 43, was “the best gift” she could give her children. "A part of my decision was also for them,” she said. "For them seeing their mother walk in truth, I feel like it’s a great lesson for them because it was not an easy decision.” Tia Mowry's 2 Kids: All About Cree and Cairo According to documents obtained by PEOPLE, the Seventeen Again alum requested joint physical and legal custody of their children. That request was granted when the exes finalized their divorce in April 2023. The custody agreement also states that Mowry and Hardrict are not allowed to introduce their children to any future significant others before the six-month dating mark.