Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The End of My Youth....

Or more appropriately titled, Happy Birthday Katie!!

I awoke this morning and realized…

I am the mom to an 18 year old. How can that be?

Hard to believe 18 years have already gone by since Katie was born on St. Patrick’s Day of 1991. We spent the day before walking around the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Savannah where I conveniently went into labor. Perfect setting......I just didn’t bother to tell Dave until after we got home.

Hey, I wanted to be sure, okay?? First kid, you know.

Fast forward 18 years…..

We celebrated her birthday last night (the 16th) because she was due to be at Catlan’s baseball game today. Can’t have her miss that. She missed it last year when Cat had an exceptional game because she chose to be home with us for dinner.

So how to make today special? She already got her present from us a few weeks ago. No more presents were in the works. What to do today? After all, 18 is a big deal.

Her day began with these




When I turned 18, my parents sent a clown with a huge red heart balloon to my high school lunch room to surprise me.

Oh my. Could I do that to Katie?

I could but wasn’t sure the school would appreciate it.

The next best thing? Paint her car like she painted mine. Except it couldn’t say Hot Mom (like my car did) or even Hot Katie (uh, no). That wouldn’t do.

But I could add other things. Like a car full of balloons. Yes….I like that idea.

I spent lots of time at school blowing up balloons to place strategically in her car. I’m just too clever, huh?

I left school today at 12:45 while my kids were in Art class to commence my attack. I was worried Katie would suddenly appear although she was supposed to be in class.

I did quick painting (nothing as fancy as she did for me in January). Heck, I was worried she might magically appear. Plus, I was fighting the stinkin' balloons....oh, didn't get there yet. Sorry!





Added garland, pennants and lot of balloons that kept trying to fly out of the car. I'm sure I would have been highly amusing to watch. A 40+ mom trying to stuff fifty or more balloons into a car on a windy day. Yep, that would be me.




Mission complete.

I giggled all the way back to school.

Turns out baseball was cancelled tonight due to the soggy fields so she and Cat headed out for dinner. He got her another Vera Bradley bag to match the one he bought at Christmas, as well as flowers and a shirt he made…




Catlan is pleased to say he is dating an “older woman”, for a few months anyhow!

Happy Birthday baby girl! I can't believe the years have flown by so quickly. Graduation is upon us and you'll soon be leaving for college. Our lives will change dramatically.

You have grown into an amazing, beautiful, and wonderful young woman. I love you....

19 comments:

NeuroMama said...

Aww...what a creative and fun mom you are. Happy 18th birthday, Katie!

Ashley and Mike said...

You are such a great mom. I bet Katie loved seeing her car. Have fun with the rest of your night.

PS I was at the mountains for along weekend so I just got your email. I cannot believe we still have not met. We are complete procrastinators about getting together. Unfortunately, I will be out of town for the next 4 weekends and I know that the work week is crazy for you. Lets either plan something after Easter or lets meet up early one evening.

day by day said...

You are such a good Mom to make Katie's day so fun!!!

I totally get you about being the mom to an 18 year old!

It is a big year and the changes in the near future are definitely big ones. I am still trying to adjust to Chelsea not being here.

Well, Happy Birthday, Katie!!!!

Denise Grover Swank said...

Happy Birthday Katie! Don't worry Kristin, I've still got you beat. I'm drinking with my son and it's legal. If that doesn't make you feel old, I don't know what does.

Becky said...

Happy birthday Katie!! It sounds like you've had a great day!

Donna said...

You're such a wonder-mom! Love the car, the shirt is great (major boyfriend points there), and I'm glad you won the fight with the balloons!!

Faith, Hope, and Love said...

Oh Kristin...your post took me from laughs to tears. I don't know where the time goes but our babies do grow fast. Katie is a beautiful girl! I laughed so hard when I was the "heart" mom on her car window! heeheehee Happy Birthday to the Irish Princess from an Irish mom in St. Louis!

Blessings,
Robin

Jill said...

WOW!!!! You did an an awesome job mom!!
Happy 18th Birthday Katie!!
Hugs, Jill

Laura L. said...

I hope she really enjoyed the whole decorated car thing. I think it's really neat and fun.
You are a fun mom!

Yes, it is hard to get used to them being older, but it is also a neat stage of life. It's fun to enjoy them as adults too.

Chris O'Malley said...

Congratulations Katie: YOur mom has given me some good ideas for Jack's upcoming B'day. Of course, I'll have to make it IMPOSSIBLE for him to get in his car. Hope your day was as wonderful as you are.

The Johnson 5 said...

Oh girl, I'm trying to type through my tears! She is such a BEAUTIFUL young woman and at the same time your baby girl.

I love what you did to her car, so CUTE!!
You are both so lucky to have such a good relationship.

COLLEGE, oh girl. I'll be praying for you!! I know my days are coming and they scare the BJEEZZUSS out of me!!

Jboo said...

Happy 18th Katie!! What a fun and creative Mom you are to decorate her car -- inside and out!

Janet

Julie said...

Happy Birthday Katie!

Margaret M said...

Wow! I am totally impressed. I will have to start a file for things to do for Lily Wen and Graeme. It looks like she had a fabulous day!

Carey-Life in the Carpool Lane said...

You are such a fun mom! I love what you did to her car!

Happy birthday to your beautiful daughter! And happy anniversary to you becoming a mom!

Natalie said...

What a very sweet post honoring your 18 year old princess! You both are very lucky to have each other! What a great mom you are to think of something so extra special.

Natalie

wingepr said...

Happy Birthday Katie!

Great Job Mom

~verna said...

Welcome to the club!! I'm on my 3rd "adult" child. I can't believe it either! Sounds like everyone had fun!

Carrie said...

Good job MOM! Happy Birthday Katie!