Birthdays are a big deal in our house if you haven’t noticed already, especially for my little ones. My daughter wanted a fun dinner with her favorite people: her family and, of course, her “aunties” (and “uncle”), and cousins – my amazing best friends and their children.
Life can get hectic, and with busy schedules, I wasn’t sure if everyone would be able to make it so last minute. But as luck would have it, my friends rearranged their evenings, juggled pet sitting duties, and braved rush hour traffic to be here.
The moment they walked in, the smiles on my daughter’s face lit up the room. It was pure joy. We feasted on chicken, rice, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, salad, cake and ice cream, laughed until our sides hurt, and reminisced about old times. But beyond the birthday fun, what truly touched me was their presence. It’s a beautiful thing to have friends who show up for you, not just for the big milestones, but for the everyday moments too.
Seeing my daughter surrounded by these incredible people who love and support her – that’s the kind of birthday memory that will stay with her forever. And for that, I’m eternally grateful. 🫶🏾
I can’t believe you’re already a teenager! It feels like just yesterday you were a little girl, and now you’re blossoming into a young woman.
I’m so proud of the kind, compassionate, and intelligent person you’re becoming. You have a bright light that shines wherever you go, and I can’t wait to see what incredible things you accomplish.
To celebrate this special day, we’re off on an adventure to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA! I can’t wait to see the joy on your face as we ride the roller coasters, splash around in the water park, and make more unforgettable memories together.
Have a fantastic birthday, my love! I hope it’s filled with laughter, thrills, and everything that makes you happy.
Buckle up for a whirlwind adventure! Today, we’re trading tissues for birthday cheer as my soon-to-be-14-year-old daughter, my son and I embark on a DMV getaway to celebrate her special day. Yes, it comes on the heels of a not-so-happy breakup, but sometimes, a change of scenery and quality time with your favorite people is the best medicine.
We’ve got a fun weekend planned, filled with exploring the amazing museums in DC (future scientists and artists unite!), conquering the cherry blossom trees (hopefully they’re still blooming!), and maybe even a boat ride on the Potomac.
Of course, a birthday trip wouldn’t be complete without some fun surprises. We’re keeping some things under wraps, but let’s just say there might be a delicious cake from a local bakery, a movie marathon in our PJs (essential for any teen, I’m told!), and maybe even a spa night complete with questionable face mask choices and uncontrollable laughter.
This trip isn’t just about celebrating my daughter’s birthday, though that’s definitely a priority. It’s also about creating new memories, sharing some laughs (and maybe a few tears – happy ones, this time!), and reminding each other that we’re a team.
Sure, a breakup can throw a wrench into things, but it doesn’t have to cancel the fun. We’re approaching this trip with open hearts and a sense of adventure. Who knows, maybe amidst the museums and monuments, we’ll both discover a little bit of healing and a whole lot of joy.
Here’s to strong moms, adventurous children, and the magic of birthday celebrations that mend hearts and create lasting memories. Stay tuned for updates from our DMV adventure!
Parenting is an ever evolving journey, with different milestones marking each of my children’s growth. From their first steps to their first day of school, each milestone is filled with a mix of joy, pride, and apprehension. Yet, the moment my daughter became a teenager, it was as though a door swung open, revealing a new chapter in our lives. As a mother, I find myself on the cusp of mixed emotions as my firstborn transitions into this adolescent phase – a beautiful yet tumultuous time. Join me as I reflect upon this momentous milestone and share the emotional whirlwind that it brings.
Now that my daughter is entering her teenage years, I can’t help but feel a tinge of nostalgia. It feels like just yesterday when she was a curious toddler, eager to explore the world with wide eyes. This sense of longing for her earlier years is accompanied by bittersweet emotions, as I am fully aware that she is now taking her first steps towards adulthood. Time seems to flown by, leaving me eager to cherish those memories while simultaneously embracing the journey ahead.
I know “teenhood” is characterized by the desire for autonomy and independence. It is natural and part of the developmental process, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Witnessing my daughter’s yearning for freedom can be unsettling, as it often clashes with my protective instincts. Balancing her need for independence while providing guidance requires a delicate dance, where I must foster trust and open communication while setting appropriate boundaries.
This time is where emotions run deep and uncharted waters are often explored. As my daughter experiences newfound hormonal fluctuations and emotional intensity, I brace myself for more of the inevitable mood swings and temperamental moments that also appear with her introduction to “young Ladyhood”. One minute, she may be full of laughter and fun, and in the next, tears may stream down her face. It’s challenging but essential to be a steady rock during this turbulent time, offering empathy and reassurance while recognizing her evolving emotional landscape.
Teenagers are known to seek guidance not only from their parents but also from their peers. Watching my daughter’s social circle morph and observing the influence these interactions have on her choices and behaviors can be both exciting and concerning. Encouraging healthy social connections and fostering open conversations about positive peers has become crucial in shaping her journey on this new path.
It feels as though I’m entering the twilight zone, where I am navigating uncharted territory. The rules of engagement change, and a once straightforward approach to parenting no longer suffice. Patience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn alongside her has become paramount. Educating myself as a parent on the challenges faced by teenagers, from technology to mental health, will enable me to provide the support and guidance she needs during this time.
Watching my daughter evolve from a child to a teenager is a bittersweet journey that fills me with a whirlwind of emotions. Nostalgia, the dance of independence, emotional turbulence, and the influence of peers – all form parts of this transformative chapter. As a mother, I am determined to embrace the ever-changing dynamics and be a pillar of support, understanding, and love as my baby navigates the twists and turns of teenagehood. While the journey may be challenging at times, I am eager to witness her growth, resilience, and blossoming personality that I know she possesses.
Happy Birthday to the most beautiful, smart and creative 13 year old on this planet! I love you to the moon and back!
Never thought I’d enter the last year of my 30s on a cruise. I vividly remember saying I don’t want to go on a cruise and end up like the people who boarded the Titanic. I know ignorance is bliss…
As an ode to my Roaring 30s, I opted to cruise for the first time with the one I love. And not just a first time cruise but also a cruise to a destination that neither of us had visited. I say all the time, I wish I’d met him sooner so that I could love him longer because this is how I have always wanted to feel. Happy, safe, at peace and engulfed in love.
The cruise was nothing short of amazing once we were able to get into our stateroom, take showers and change to begin our epic baecation. The night before we were upgraded to an ocean view room and I’m so glad we were. The view was amazing and much appreciated whenever we retreated to the room for a people break or nap.
Refreshing…rejuvenating…renewing
This trip revealed a lot to me. And according to my 40 and older friends, this is the part of life that is truly enjoyable…if you allow it. It’s where we truly adopt the “idgaf” attitude about a lot in life. Color me crazy, but I think I’ve been preparing for my 40s all my life lol.
Unbothered by anything and everything…we gave that cruise all we had to offer. We relaxed. Moved at our own pace throughout the day. Appreciated room service and the 10 videos that played repeatedly on the music channel as we got dressed each day (all day). New Edition’s, “Still in Love” will never be heard the same by us lol.
From the moment we left the parking garage, tired from driving hours to the port, hot, sweaty and excited, I gave up all thoughts of having to be in control to react to any situation. I attempted to put my mind on DND for 5 days and I’m so glad I did. This wonderful man that was ever so gently placed in my life made sure that I was safe at all times.
But truly here I was on a boat with thousands of people…out in the middle of the ocean. Anyone who knows me knows this is out of my norm. Upon boarding even I began to question what the fuck I was actually doing and if I’d make it. I can laugh now but at that moment I consumed all the drugs I had on hand at once in hopes of crushing any and all anxiety that had begun to creep up inside me. I remember how my encounters with others usually go and was even more thankful we upgraded to the ocean view room for the moments when I’d need to reflect on yet another crazy decision I have haphazardly made.
Anytime we’re out and about it’s always a vibe. You have me who always attracts the strangest but nicest people. And then Baby Love who meets no stranger. So just imagine the people that we met…awesome couples/people, cute and respectful kids and heavy handed bartenders. We celebrated a young couples engagement, and shared advice for their many years of happiness together. We talked to an interracial couple about parenting today. Debates occurred often lol. There was one about the pool being empty or full. And also whether or not there were jumping fish in the ocean as we sat among the chill folks on the smoking deck lol. I was asked so many times how many drinks I had consumed but I was usually always not tripping and things were as they appeared lol. (Except for the 2 hours I kept saying the boat was moving and it wasn’t lmao)
Well I never made it to the front of the boat to reenact the scene from the Titanic when Kate was flying. (I warned you that I was weird and yes I linked the clip just in case you forgot the best scene from the entire movie). But the most epic part of our vacation was not even my actual birthday. The day before my birthday we docked in Cozumel. I tried to find the most unique excursion to do with my Baby Love. Mostly because it’s just my nature but also because from the time I realized I love this man, I wanted us to experience all the “firsts” imaginable together. Late starts don’t eliminate all firsts. And so that led us to walking on the bottom of the ocean floor!
If you’re ever in Cozumel, please visit Seatrek in Downtown Cozumel inside Jeanie’s Restaurant & Bar. The restaurant staff was amazing but the diving team at Seatrek were God’s gift to tourists. It’s an experience to remember and the best part is you don’t have to know how to swim. I’m telling you…go.live.your.best.life!
I’ve never doubted the love I have for him. But every time I caught a glimpse of him I got warm and fuzzy like a teenage girl. 3 years doesn’t seem like a long time at all but it feels like I’ve loved this man far beyond this lifetime.
In My Unapologetic Life... 