My eldest child's eleventh birthday is coming up in two weeks. A few weeks ago I had asked him if there was anything he might want to do for his birthday and he said he'd think about it.
Now, we stopped doing big birthday parties and have moved to just inviting a few friends to do something special. Last year we took 3 of his best friends on a haunted hayride after we had pizza and cake here at home. It was the best birthday celebration I've had for him. Everyone involved talked about it for a long time after, proving it doesn't have to cost a fortune to have a memorable birthday. So I was expecting him to come up with something fun like this again.
Imagine my surprise when he said he didn't want to do anything for his birthday. I asked him if he was sure and he assured me, no, he didn't want to do anything. I asked him a bunch more times, I offered suggestions, I looked to my husband for reassurance I wasn't hearing him wrong. Nope. He doesn't want to invite his friends for a party.
I realize he is getting older. I also realize as he gets older things are going to change. He is going to grow out of some things and make his way towards others. But I wasn't ready for this. It made me sad. I don't want my baby to grow up so quickly (mind you, this 10-turning-11-year-old is as tall as me already).
Next year he will begin middle school and I know even more changes are in store. I asked him if he was sure he didn't want to have one more party with his friends, perhaps a trip to the movies or a sleepover here, and then he could end his celebrations next year. But he is sticking to his original no.
I know I have to respect it, and perhaps even admire it some. But as I said before, I'm just not ready.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
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When my oldest, who will turn 15 this month, was 10, she refused a bday anything. i later learned it was because she and her bestie weren't on speaking terms - that week. Other than that time, my oldest and my newly turned 13 year old, to this day, will not refuse a party. their idea of bday party has changed though. it's not party and cake, it's more bowling with friends and pizza. go figure! we've got 3 birthdays this month. the baby turns two on the 23rd. my oldest turns 15 on oct 30. and i, i turn 35 on oct 14. do i want a bday party? naaah. i rather go shoot pool with hubby. :-D
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