Rebekah is 16!
Except this past weekend... to celebrate #16, Sara and Rebekah went to Toronto to visit a friend, and go shopping! I got to stay home with the other two and work on the damned basement - and work on the gardens. yay for me (no really - it was good!)
You'll like them until they become teenagers...
That's what one of the guys at work used to tell me... He had girls too, and told me - one day you're going to wake up, and you're not going to really like 'em much anymore! (in a heavy southern drawl)
That's what one of the guys at work used to tell me... He had girls too, and told me - one day you're going to wake up, and you're not going to really like 'em much anymore! (in a heavy southern drawl)
Not sure WHEN it happened, but it HAS happened - probably over the course of the past 5 years, where we dragged her from country to country, all while I was travelling 70% of the time. Being away so much during her formative years, probably didn't help... Of course I still love her - but she makes it very difficult sometimes.
And of course I'm that dad who thinks she wears too much makeup, clothes are too small, has too much perfume on, room is always a mess...grrrrrrrrrrrrr. But i'm slowly trying to adjust... I have two more girls, and will have to do it all over again...so better get used to it.
It wasn't always that way, we spent a lot of time together when she was younger.
The younger years...Ottawa
Here we are at the Rideau Canal, getting ready for a skate - I think she was maybe 4!
There she is... at age 5, getting ready for her first day of school when we lived in Vanier. When she was even smaller than that, I used to take her to the parks all the time - and she would play, but lots of times - just sit back and watch the other kids. But she never wanted to leave, and used to throw a huge fit - I'd have to bribe her with gum, just to get her into the bike seat! (something I would never do anymore with other two...older, wiser...)
Always had the attitude though. We'd get called in by the teacher at every school she went to... talks too much, disrupts the class... But somehow still managed to get good grades.
Richmond, VA
When we moved to Richmond, her teacher had the nerve to tell us her class was full of perfect little angels - til Rebekah came in to disrupt the mix!?!? In a later year, she did a pro-gay marriage report (her own idea) and was lectured by her teacher about why her opinion was wrong! WTF Richmond...
But she always outgoing - went around selling rocks door-to-door our first day there, and helped us get to know the neighbours! I'm not sure how she'll remember of Richmond, other than the shopping.
Germany
Then we moved to Dresden. She was 12. Probably not the best timing... She had new found freedom, and could take the light rail system to school and all over the city - something that you couldn't do in Richmond. We wanted her to explore, and get to know another culture - but she took it a little too far - too fast. Don't need to go into all the gory details, but I can tell you that at one point - I did pull off her 9 foot high double doors to make sure she didn't slip out...
After a little tough love, it finally did settle down. She was able to make some great friends - like Alexandra here, whom she misses a whole bunch, and wants to go back to visit. She was able to pick up German pretty well, and loved hanging out at Subway of all places.
It was a difficult 2 years for us in Germany, but I think she will look back and have good memories of Germany - she liked the euro style of living, don't think she's much for the suburban crap that we're in now.
Back to Canada...
So coming home has been a bit of a challenge. Going to high school in the country (while living in the city ... I don't get it either), has been boring for her I think, after living abroad and seeing/doing so many things. Luckily she was recently accepted to Glebe, so will be bussing it downtown for school - you might think I'd be worried about that - but after what happened in Germany - it's all tame in comparison. Not that I think she's an angel by any means, but I don't think she wants to repeat those mistakes.
I blame living in Richmond for this next video clip. Nobody in Canada (other than the Catholics) does Cheerleading. I still don't get why she liked doing it - seems so out of character for her.
She works a lot now, and isn't around very much when she isn't. Doesn't want to have much to do with us... she has little interest in the things we do with the other two, and I can see why - she's not 6 anymore.
She's 16... and wants to drive my car.
Happy Birthday kid.
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Happy Birthday!
I think she's wearing too much make-up in that one photo, too! Mine's 16 as well and it really can be difficult at times, but I think the key is never to stop parenting. They're chomping at the bit for more freedom; to get to do anything they want, but they're still kids and they need to know you're there with some boundaries for them. It helps make them feel safe and loved and gives them a feeling of security in these chaotic, confusing teenaged years. You go, Dad.
Thanks for the Bday wishes!
XUP - she's a bit better with the makeup now (that pic is 2 years old) but still looks like she's trying to look older... and completely agree with you on the boundaries deal! Taking it one day at a time.
i'm not sure how i will handle the teenage years.....i suspect my mother is quite sadistically looking forward to seeing how i will do.
I hope to be doing contract work and traveling 80% of the time ;-)
Oh, you in trouble now!! Happy sweet 16!