A celebratory dinner at one of Caitlin's favorite places to eat, 
Due to a prior commitment with the Governing Youth Council, we began her celebration last night, rather than on her actual birthday, with dinner at The Pizza Factory, the restaurant of her choice. Grandma joined us to celebrate in between visits to the nursing home to see Rich. Caitlin's never cared much for cake, so this year we bought a half-gallon of her favorite ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. (In years past she's chosen a huge chocolate chip cookie or even cookie dough in lieu of birthday cake.) Today my mom took us (Caitlin, Sam and me) out for lattes at Grounds For Coffee and to Roosters for lunch. Caitlin said her birthday was a great one and exactly as she wanted it...low key.
Every year on the kids' birthdays, I reminisce about the day they were born and all the events leading up to it. I honestly can't believe that 17 years have gone by since Chip and I left for the hospital, at 12:00 midnight, on August 4th. It's still amazing to me how we walked into that hospital as a couple and walked out not even 48 hours later as a family. I remember thinking to myself, "I can't believe they're just going to let me take her home!" Even though I was 29 and Chip was 32, we were still so unprepared for the experience of parenthood and overwhelmed at the work involved and the depth of emotion we experienced for our new daughter.
Here she is today, 17 years old, and I still find myself overwhelmed at times at how much I love her and how grateful I am to have the opportunity to be her mom. I hear people talk about how raising teenagers is horrible, and their kids never want to be seen with them. Now I admit that we have our moments, and there have been times when I'm sure we all love each other far more than we like each other. And there have been times when we definitely have all needed a break from each other. However, I don't relate to the horror stories I've heard about raising teenagers.
Caitlin is such a great person and she loves spending time with us. She has never been embarassed to be seen with us (except when I stood up and danced during the Mamma Mia movie.) She always kisses me goodbye and tells me she loves me on the phone no matter where she is or who she's with. She has such a kind heart and is very sensitive to the way others are treated. Caitlin is one to advocate for the underdog, and at times I wonder if we have a budding social worker on our hands. She's always been such a great student and had the rare honor of being inducted into the National Honor Society as a Sophomore. Because of her academic performance and her value system, she was asked to be on the Governing Youth Council for Weber County two years ago. Caitlin took it upon herself to find a job last summer and has worked at Johnny's Dairy for almost a year now. Although she complains that it gets boring at times, she has never complained about going to work. She's one of the most resilient people I know, some of which is learned and some of which is innate for her.
Am I gushing? Why, yes I am. After nine months of pregnancy, 16 hours of labor and delivery, countless diaper changes, middle of night feedings, and ongoing sleepless nights I spend worrying about and wishing for the well being of our daughter, I HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT TO GUSH!
An assignment in one of my Social Work classes asked that I write about my family. Caitlin read it recently and told me how much she liked what I wrote about her. Because it meant a lot to her, and because it came from my heart, I will end this post with those words.
"My daughter, Caitlin, will be 17 years old in August. Caitlin was born August 4, 1992, after an easy pregnancy but difficult delivery. She has, from the very beginning of her life, been a total individual, marching to the beat of her own drum. Caitlin is a beautiful and graceful dancer; although she prefers jazz, hip hop and modern dance, she is also a lovely ballet dancer. While growing up she has preferred dance to soccer, Sarah Brightman to the Spice Girls, linguine with clam sauce to macaroni and cheese, and old Hollywood movies to the current teen flicks. Her I-pod is filled with everything from Lady Gaga and Britney Spears to Frank Sinatra and Tchaikovsky. She still kisses me goodbye and tells me she loves me on the phone. I absolutely love my daughter and am so proud of the woman she's becoming. From Caitlin I have learned that celebrating one's individuality and uniqueness is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves and to those who love us."
I love you, BooBoo.
