My baby turns 13 today.
Right now, she’s at her father’s house. She spent the night there. And I’m sitting here waiting for her to wake up and send me a text message so I can pick her up and we can get the day’s festivities started.
The festivities include five of her friends coming over for a swim, a pizza dinner and an ice cream sundae bar. And then, since it’s Friday the 13th, they’ll watch a scary movie and stay up all night. (Hubs will be sleeping with earplugs in.)
Saturday, I’m making her, and the sleeping beauties, monkey bread for breakfast. And after everyone gets picked up, she and I will pack our bags. Because her birthday present from me is a trip to New York. Four days based out of my BFF’s place in Brooklyn. Four days without too many plans. Four days just the two of us.
The kid has been to NYC a few times before. Her older brother was born there. I lived there for 11 years. And met their father in grad school at NYU. Her aunt and uncle still live there. And some cousins. So she feels a connection to it.
We’ve been talking about what we’re going to do when we’re there and what she really wants to do is just wander around the city, go to Central Park, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, eat at some awesome restaurants (and food trucks) and, of course, shop.
The best part of giving her this trip for her birthday is that she and I will be together. Together without all of the things that sometimes cause tension and turmoil in our house. A break from our day to day lives. A chance to just experience new things together.
Because being a teenage girl isn’t easy. And being the mother of a teenage girl isn’t easy. But being alone with one, on vacation, is going to be blissful.I can’t wait.
But first she has to wake up. She’s 13 so it might be a while.
10 comments
simplifybysara says:
Jul 13, 2012
have so much fun! Sounds like a terrific way to spend a 13th birthday …
Jen @ Lifes Dewlaps says:
Jul 13, 2012
Thanks Sara. Really looking forward to it.
lesliesholly says:
Jul 13, 2012
What a precious baby she was! Have a great time on your adventure together.
Jen @ Lifes Dewlaps says:
Jul 13, 2012
She was a cutie! Still is. Thanks Leslie.
Sandra says:
Jul 13, 2012
Sweet…tell her happy birthday from a bloggy friendy on the west coast who is also the mother of a daughter AND a lover of NYC. What an amazing birthday weekend she is going to have! And how lucky to have such a great mom.
Jen @ Lifes Dewlaps says:
Jul 13, 2012
I’ll be sure and tell her! Thanks Sandra.
allisoncarmen says:
Jul 13, 2012
If she likes shopping Forever 21 in times square (flag ship store). I cannot say you will enjoy it – but she will!!! Congrats on 13.
Jen @ Lifes Dewlaps says:
Jul 13, 2012
She’s a huge fan of Forever 21. We have a much smaller one here. And I have about a 15 minute time limit in there.
Thanks Allison!
Hotly Spiced says:
Jul 13, 2012
What a cute baby photo. Oh dear, the teenage years – yes, full of highs and lows but like you say, time alone together is necessary and therapeutic. Tell her how lucky she is to be going to NY for me will you. I’m a lot older than 13 and I haven’t got there yet! xx
Jen @ Lifes Dewlaps says:
Jul 13, 2012
Thanks HS! High and lows is right. Pus a little bit of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde! And I will tell her. One day, you’re going to have to come to the States! And visit me in Florida.