Thursday, August 20, 2009

Snips, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails


Happy Birthday, my dear, infuriating, wonderful Moody Teen.

Sixteen short years ago, you came into my life rather uneventfully... on your due date, no less! My water broke uneventfully. My one contraction I endured before having the epidural, contracted uneventfully. Before I knew it, you were in my arms.

You were a thrill seeker and a car lover from the beginning... The higher and faster you could get in your swing or bouncy seat, the happier you were. You slept with a Hot Wheel in each hand every night.

You grew into such a confident, adventurous kid... If it looked fun to you, you tried it. You didn't worry what others might think, or if you'd be able to catch on.

Ah, and then the teen years came along, and what wasn't to love? I can honestly say that I only wanted to kill you a (large) handful of times (so far).

Which brings us to today...

You keep me on my toes, you rebel, you argue, you love, you laugh, you even occasionally hug, and you live like no one else I've ever known.

I am so proud of you... Not your grades or accomplishments or determination in the face of adversity or athleticism... but you.

Love,
The Mother To Whom You Are Not Speaking at the Moment Because of the Car Argument

29 comments:

Harlene said...

Home sweet home!

Kristina P. said...

I hope he talks to you soon!

Ash said...

He'll talk soon - eventually he will realize who holds the keys.

Happy Mommy-becoming-day to you too, sweet Deb.

Claremont First Ward said...

Happy Birthday to your son.....Am I going to blink and my kids will be 16, too?

Anonymous said...

Ah Deb! You're my hero. I've got a tween who's already honing in on his "teen" skills and I love how you handle things.

With humor.

Lots of humor.

Susan Berlien said...

I always love reading your posts. I think it's a glimpse into my future. I have a thrillseeker toddler! Happy birthday to the moody teen...he'll get better and be talking to you again soon, I was a moody teen too, I know.

Nannette said...

Ah! Happy birthday to MT! and to his eversowunnerful mama.

Kim said...

I don't know what I love more, the letter or the way it was signed. Happy Birthday to the big 16 year old. Happy day to his Mama too.

jori-o said...

LOVE how you sign that love note! Happy bday Moody! =)

Heather of the EO said...

Ah, lady. You're such a good mom. Loving him for HIM...isn't that all a mother can do? You rock.

Oh, and Happy Birthday, Moody! Talk to your mother!

Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boys said...

Happy Birthday Moody Teen!

Jenners said...

I love how punctual he was!! Happy Birthday, MT!

Unknown said...

I know I told you this already but it's worth repeating. I love this post. That image with the Hot Wheels is one I will remember. Cause it's exactly what is happening with my lil' dude. And he'll be 16 before I know it. I just can't believe it.

Happy Birthday Moody Teen....you and your mom rule.

xoxoxo

Vodka Mom said...

that made me laugh......and smile....... and nod.


love to you both.

Margo said...

oh, the car business! My daughter turns 17 in a couple of weeks and last year at this time, we were going through the same thing. It's weird how it really seems as if they were born - maybe 7 years ago.

Anonymous said...

My daughter never refused to speak to me. Or were the voices I heard just mine, screaming through the house..........wish I could go back in time and not be so childish myself. You're doing a wonderful job as a loving mommy.

tiarastantrums said...

(giggles)

Debbie said...

Ah yes. The wonderful moods of teens.
Well, I hope it was a good birthday nonetheless.

Unknown said...

ugh, car arguments
and tears welling when I see him napping on the sofa, all tangled limbs and little boy lashes
beautiful

Liz Mays said...

I love the way you signed this. That cracks me up. I have had my share of teenage moodiness myself.

Happy Birthday to your son!

Oh crap, I just realized you said 16. Ohhhhhh, you are in for a whole new world of fun with the driver's license.

Neil said...

Nice! Happy birthday to your son. You can read the love in the words.

Bramblemoon Farm said...

BAHAHAHAHAHAHHA and then I got all weepy. My 15 year old and your Moody Teen should never meet. I think I shall call mine Angry Teen. But we love them all the same through moodiness and anger don't we?

Oh, and he'll get over it.

Shauna - Blah Blah Blog said...

What a sweet post!

Mary@Holy Mackerel said...

Yeah, I've got one of them too. Only she's 14, and I am still trying to get used to it all. But yes, they are wonderful, aren't they, when you try and ignore all the rebellion, all-knowing attitude, etc.
Happy Birthday!!

Unknown said...

Deb, I absolutely ADORE this post. I love the part about a hot wheel in each hand. You are so good at making things short, sweet, and to the point, but making them so meaningful at the same time. This is something he'll treasure forever. I realize I'm a week late in reading this. Are you talking again? Or just living on Twitter and trying to get the beds made? :)

Nanny Goats In Panties said...

LOL! How sweet of you to wish him a happy birthday anyway! :D

Beth said...

Awww. How did I miss this post? This is the sweetest letter.

Funny how boys are boys from the get go. Happy birthday to your moody teen.

Mama-Face said...

Spoken like a true mom.

A toy car in each hand. That is so sweet.

AnnieRoso said...

Holding a Hot Wheels car in each hand at night...you could be describing my boy. Cuteness.