Monday, September 29, 2008

When Did This Happen?


Ok, I remember the first time I was referred to as, "Nina's Mom." I realized I'd hit a new phase in life, the one where you lose your former identity and become Someone's Mom. But now Nina is 16 and I'm floudering a little, wondering when my precocious little girl became this young woman.

She raked it in for her birthday. She got a new phone from us, goodies from the aunts and uncles and cousins, and cash and a CAR from my parents. A CAR. It's the cute little red one that's been passed down from brother-in-law to sister to my dad who cleaned it up and now to my girl.

The funny thing is she doesn't even have her permit yet. She was a little nervous and not it that big of a hurry to get the license thing going. Last night after we got home from the birthday party, she got out the driving book and asked me what I thought she should highlight. I told her that I'm really good at Dickens and Austen but that her dad is the Driving Book Man. Much as I hate to admit it, my poor silver Montero is dinged up like you can't believe. My husband is a much better driver.

And the dating thing! A boy can now, in theory, come to our house and pick Nina up and take her somewhere just the two of them. Mark says this will occur only after said boy comes into the home and visits; they'll have a chat while my husband sits with his shotgun across his lap a la Beverly Hillbillies. Or that crazy flick that Dueling Banjos comes from. Starts with a D. You know the one, it escapes me at the moment. Desperation? Desperado? Delinquent? DELIVERANCE. That's it. Little stream-of-consciousness never hurts.

Well, my Nina, be a good girl. Stop at all the stop signs. If the light turns yellow, best to hit the brakes. Do as I say, not as I do. When the boy says, "If you really loved me you would," just do that little maneuver I taught you years ago. If he really loves you, he won't expect you to.

Nina was popping VHSs in the video player at 2 years of age. She cut her little sister's hair at 4. Her first sleepover was at Cody's house. (They were young and innocent.) She has cut, glued, pasted, created, texted, curled, primped, laughed and entertained her way to 16 and it is an absolute joy and pleasure to be her mother. But I really don't feel any older than I did when she was born.

She's also the most beautiful swimmer ever.

8 comments:

Linda Adams said...

~sigh~

Mine hit 16 two years ago.
It's been a nice ride!
But yes: we understand the shotgun thing at our house too--and my husband doesn't own a gun.

Your Nina sounds wonderful.

Tristi Pinkston said...

I don't even want to think about my daughter driving -- it was hard enough to send her to girls' camp for the first time this year!

Jewel's Gems said...

Oh, the joys of teenage motherhood:o)
I enjoyed your blog!

Nicole said...

Am I reading this right. Is Nina getting Sydneys old car? That thing has been around for awhile but hey she is lucky to even get a car. I am hoping Kennedy stays 4 forever. It's a great age. She does miss Ms. Nancy.

Nancy Campbell Allen said...

Thanks for all the sympathy, ladies. I'm glad it's not just me!

And YES, Nicole, could you die? It's Syd's old car. My dad has really cleaned it up and they're going to add some new chrome here and there. Ah, the joys of an 87 Prelude. It even has a sunroof! She's going to be all the rage.

Kisses for Kennedy and the twins!

Janette Rallison said...

My son is nearing permit age. Scary, scary scary!

Josi said...

My oldest will be sixteen in 18 months, that same period of time seemed to last forever when she was a baby, now I feel like we're living in hyperdrive. Good luck. She gets to drive the mini-van though, that ought to chill her out.

Marcia Mickelson said...

Ahh, 16. My oldest is turning 9 this week, so I can't even imagine 16 as I sit here wiping my 3 year old's nose. Good luck.

BTW, I tagged you on my blog.