Today, my oldest daughter becomes a teenager.
I have been preparing for this birthday since the day she was born. Everyone tells you how awful teenagers can be. How snarly and mean they are. How they hate you for five long years, and then you get them back when it’s all over. You know, when they’re in college. And need money.
When you’re holding your newborn baby, it’s impossible to imagine them ever loathing you. They need you so much and look at you with eyes full of complete faith and adoration. When Annie was just a toddler—and a very clingy one at that—I could never fathom that she would ever want to leave my side, let alone not want to be around me that much.
But that time has come. She is officially a teenager.
We’ve seen tiny glimpses of the ugliness the teen years can rear, but nothing too awful. Nothing we hadn’t been warned about or told would happen by now. Of course, we’re just dipping our toes in the water.
But…
She still likes to be around us, which I’m told is huge. She still likes to go shopping with me, have family movie nights, and have lunch alone with one or both of us. She’s even chosen to hang out with us instead of her friends on occasion.
Maybe that was because she had strep.
But she is growing up…
She just went to the movies with a group of girlfriends alone for the first time.
EEK.
She’s getting a cell phone.
SIGH.
She’s wearing makeup.
GASP.
She listens to her music a little louder in her room.
OH BOY.
She wants to be a cheerleader and put soccer on the back burner.
WHYYYYY??
All normal teenage things.
So why does it scare me so much?
Maybe it’s because she’s only five years away from not having to live with us anymore. Only five years away from not being a full-time member of this family.
It makes me want to cling to her like I’m hanging off the edge of a cliff. I don’t want her to grow up so fast and go away. Okay, maybe on those snarky days—but for the most part, I don’t. I always want to know she’s just down the hall in her bedroom, talking to her friends about boys, makeup, and weekend plans.
Did you know they make weekend plans now??
I know it’s premature to think about these things, but it’s getting closer every year and becoming harder to ignore.
I love being her mommy. Now just “mom.” I look forward to all the changes to come. But for now, I want to enjoy the music down the hall and know that we still have her to ourselves.
At least for five more years.
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A Grace Full Life 
Happy Birthday to your girl! I loved this post and someday she will read it and love it, too. My daughter is well into her teenage years now and I am here to tell you that I think teenage girls get a bad rap sometimes. She still likes being around us and we really still like being around her, too. So, fear not!And that part about them leaving for college someday in the not so distant future? Ugh!!! I get it.
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Beautiful post! She is one awesome kid or should I say teen. Make sure you give yourself a pat on the back because she is a kind, sweet, fun, funny ( that infectious laugh:)), smart, playful, person because of you.
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That made me start crying, just so you know. It was beautiful, awesome, sad, horrible – you know what i mean. It just really does go so fast and as much as i want to go to the bathroom alone, i also want to freeze time. I hope it's a wonderful day for her and you!!!
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Congrats?Somehow, I'm not jealous. Imagine that. I did ask God to never send me a daughter, but I'm sure they're lovely.And because life just works out that way, he'll probably send me two.I wish you all the luck with a teenager! omg. lol. kwim? ;)
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Happy Birthday to your sweet! I still remember having lunch with you while you were pregnant and watching A Baby Story! Time flies. :)
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Happy Birthday to your daughter! I have a 14 year old niece and I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. Hard to believe she's in high school now. And when I look at my son, I know time is flying by!
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It's crazy how fast it goes. "They" tell you it does, but you never really 'get' it until you're a mom, watching a child grow in the blink of an eye.
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Gasp. Sob. Wiping tears away.I'm SO not ready for this!!!Can I put your number on speed dial in 4 years?xoxo Mar
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Thank you all for your sweet comments!And Mar, yes.And I will be waiting with some liquor.
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Awww this post makes me so sad. My boys are still young (4&7) but when I think about them moving out and going out and not needing me anymore…OHHHH MY I just cry. Time flies by too fast.
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