My "not so little" Girl.

Okay children, story time from the big girl has begun...

I watch her at gymnastics, or at daycare, or in groups of children where they gather.

Really, is she that tall?

When did this happen that I could barely carry her because her legs hang down so far?

When did she get so big she can read summer camp descriptions and choose for herself?

Who is this girl who just turned nine?

NINE? How is it nine years since I held her all day long and fed her and changed her and could not bear to be without her?  I would leave for the store and feel my body was not whole if I left her home with daddy.

She is growing up.

She has opinions (I'll say), style, compassion, good friends, and the love of all around her.

And boundless creativity and energy and sometimes a mama can't keep up, but my dear Boo Boo La La - your mama will always give it her best shot.

Enjoy being nine, because your "not so little" but you don't need to be big yet.

Love,

Mommy

Dear Boo Boo La La

http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/ for Writer's Workshop, m'kay?

 Hey There Boo Boo La La,

You are now 16 and a handful for your ancient parents. T-Bone is 60 and me, well I am now 54 ...older than I was when you were born sweetie.

Can you cut your old mom & dad a break and not crash a car until we are in the retirement home?  Or at least until you actually own you OWN car.  Okay?  Pretty please?

Dad thinks that I am going to be "easy" on you because you are my only biological child.  He thought I was harsh on J-Dogg and Sair, or I thought they should be punished more than they were sometimes. 

Let me tell you this one time and one time only.

NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

You know Grandpa Lowell?  Remember he was MY dad?  Yeah, well we did not get away with

A.N.Y.T.H.I.N.G.

with him. 

Nada, Zilch, Zippo. 

Neither will you.

Boyfriend dump you?  Get to school.
Bad grades?  Your grounded.
Messy Room?  Not on my watch!
Brought home by the police?  HOLY HELL that better not happen!  Mama will NOT be as cool as Grandpa was when this happend with your Uncle.  (I think grounded until graduation or receipt of admission letter with full scholarship to Harvard, or similar, would be in order.)

In short, I am your MOTHER.  Not your friend. 

As such you will follow the rules, there are not many so don't freak out here, and do well in school.

THAT is your job! 

Got it?

However, as your mother, I also reserve the right to stick up for you with teachers & principal's, kiss you on the head, give you squeezy hugs, wipe your tears, help you with homework, tell you that your friends are wrong - you are cool, etc.

I got your back like that.

Hugs and Kisses,
MommyLisa