Having never had a teenager before I can only say what I know to be true right here, right now.
Your braces always have at least two bright neon colors on them.
Same goes for your fingernails.
Along with any additional accessories you can add to your school uniform.
You are allergic to changing the toilet paper.
Or putting anything away the first time I ask you.
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| From your surprise party at Nana and Papa's.
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After above mentioned lengthy pauses and "ummmms" I usually say, "I'm loosing interest" and you say, "Mom!"
When you were much younger if we were going to leave the house I would always give you some sort of time frame so that you knew what was coming next. For example, when you were two years old and intently playing I would let you know that we would be leaving in ten minutes so that when it was actually time to leave it wasn't a shock and you fully expected it. That way you had time to wrap up your play and not have a fit when it was time to leave.
Well, now that you are thirteen I know that I still have to give you a we-are-going-to-leave-the-house-in-fifteen-minutes type of warning so that you have ample time to check your hair, check your outfit, come to me so that you can give me a 360 degree view, me give you the thumbs up, you go back to the mirror to double check, grab a brush and redo your hair, come to me for one last check, me give you the double thumbs up, you check the mirror again, everyone grab all their things, you quickly take a gasp of air and run towards your room while yelling, "just one last check!"
It's true I've never had a teenager before. But I've had you for thirteen years. Each and every day has been a gift and I look forward to the next chapter with you.
You are sweet to the very core of your being.
And I hope you know that I remember that despite every huffy breath and eye roll that you cast my way.
Love,
Mom
Happy Birthday to your new teenager! They are truly wonderful to have around. Even with the eye rolling. I so enjoy the one I have. She's much easier to deal with than her brother ever was. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
ReplyDeleteawe! sweet girl! happy birthday to her!
ReplyDeletelol at "im loosing interest!" ha!
I love this! The huffing and eye rolls are a right of passage for teenagers. Happy Birthday to her! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to her! My daughter just turned 11 and we are on the verge of teen-dom. LOL
ReplyDeleteAwww man I thought the telling them to do something more than once went away as they got older. Wrong! Try again:)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your daughter!
What a sweet thing to read.
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy birthday to your girl. Yay for 13. :D
I'm still asking some to do things more than once and that's not just the child left at home. ;)
Still giggling over the losing interest.....
Sounds like she might be somehow related to my oldest ;o)
ReplyDeleteHappy Thirteenth birthday! Always a pleasure to read such personal birthday dedications Dana! Thank you x
ReplyDeleteI love these annual posts of yours -they are such a great snapshot of this moment in time. Happy Teenager years ahead!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteShe loos so much like you!
ReplyDeleteSo fun! My two teenage nieces are just like this! And I think I was the same at that age too. Happy days.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, the best is yet to come for such a bright, sweet and happy young lady!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!!! What great thoughts. My guy is getting so old--just hope he thinks to give me a heads up when he is leaving the house so I get used to it and don't have a fit. Enjoy!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour post was so funny! Even though the last few sentences made my eyes teary. Everything you said is so true! :)
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