a brand new teenager

It is official, we have now o two teenagers in the house. Annie celebrated her thirteenth birthday with friends on Sunday and with us on Monday, when it was her actual birthday.

Yes, it is Annie and me. This is one of my favourite photos ever

Annie had to be delivered by C-section baby and we were in hospital from seven am that morning, thirteen years ago. The waiting was unbearable, two emergency C-sections delayed our own. When the gorgeous baby was delivered - finally - she was whisked away after just a short while to be assessed in the neonatal unit. She spent the next five days in a blue light box to help her beat neonatal jaundice. She slept a lot and I read 'Satanic Verses' by Salmon Rushdie. Bizarre, I know.



Fast forward thirteen years and see the beautiful young woman Annie has turned into. The photo is a few weeks old but definitely my favourite of the year. You have seen it before. Doesn't she look happy? Like all teenagers she is difficult to photograph without a scowl, rolling eyes and the face hidden behind a mop of hair. This photo captures the essence of Annie.

I love the gap between Annie's front teeth and her broad smile when she is happy. I love the way she hugs me. I love to watch her grow up and imagine the woman she will be one day in the not too distant future. She is very nearly taller than me.

Annie reminds me a lot myself at this age although I have only the vaguest of memories. Being a teenage girl was not easy and it must be even more difficult now with added social media pressure and all. I hope I can help her experience these difficult but hopefully exiting years in the best possible way by being there for her if she needs me and standing back when she doesn't. There is of course the issue of not being quite sure what is required and when...

Annie is strong and independent. She confidently cooks a meal for six, takes charge of her little brothers and is always on top of her homework. She knows exactly what she wants (except when she doesn't).

Annie likes to be organised and in control. Sticky notes and are her friends and every thing in her room has its rightful place, except dirty clothes that is. She writes a lesson plan of sorts when she looks after her younger brothers! Her need for order doesn't extend beyond her own very specific needs and like any other teenager, she kicks her shoes in a corner, leaves cups and plates with half eaten food sitting next to the computer and thinks wiping the crumbs under the chopping board is cleaning.

Did I mention that she is kind and has a strong sense for fairness? She is and does.

Annie is the most gregarious of our children, she spends a lot of time with friends, at home, in the park and sometimes online. She is a loyal friend but is is also open to new friendships and I felt privileged to be introduced to one of them a few weeks ago when I was passing the school at lunch break (on the other side I of the road I hasten to say) and she spotted me and waved me over. I am really pleased that she didn't ignore me.

We don't always see eye to eye. We argue a lot and wind each other up far too often. I have noticed Sam and Richard exchanging knowing glances rolling their eyes when we disagree on something rather inconsequential. Still, we know when to apologise to each other and settle disputes with a hug.

Annie sometimes leaves little notes for me saying something nice. I find them on my pillow. She gave Richard a stack of tiny envelopes with different moods as labels, for him to open when he is in said mood. I am of course jealous!

Annie is adventurous and loves trying out new things. She is a ballet dancer and a rock climber, loves campfires and exploring and she bake a mean cake. I like how she is not girly girly but also not overly tomboyish and chooses to do what she likes not what she thinks she should like.

All in all, an amazing girl!

Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. If I haven't left a comment on your own blogs lately, don't think I have abandoned you, I haven't. I have just been tired. xx