Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Born On The Fourth Of July

Today is my son's 18th birthday.

I'm finding it hard to believe that I have a child that old. I'm finding it hard to believe I have a child that old AND I'm about to have a baby. Can I lie and say I was, like, 8 when I had him? No, medical imposibility, right?

We're going to his birthday party today, where he will tell me that he's getting a tattoo. He's expecting me to flip out over this, but since I'm planning on getting a tattoo, I won't. In fact, I will give him money towards said tattoo.

There will be water balloon fights and volleyball games and lots and lots of food. Some people will have too much to drink (not me). Some people will get sunburned (again, not me). There will probably be an argument between some members of his dad's side of the family (it's an annual tradition). And later, the drunk people will set off fireworks. I plan to be long gone by then. I like my fingers and toes and hearing intact.

It's strange when I think about the last 18 years. Before he was born, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to keep him. I was talking with a counsellor about giving him up for adoption. But then he came into the world and I just couldn't do it.

He was a cute baby and he's a handsome kid today. I think I made the right decision. I hope I did. Sometimes I wonder - we don't seem to get along that well these days, but I don't know how much of that is difficulties between us and how much is that he's a typical, self-centered 18 year-old. I think it's mainly the latter - he's all wrapped up in his friends and his job. Plus he lives with his dad, about an hour away from here. It's a little weird. I miss him a lot.

Happy Birthday, Alex.

14 comments:

Jess said...

He has your smile!

Happy birthday, Alex!

Jamie said...

You're right - he IS a good looking kid! Hope he has a wonderful day - and happy 4th of July to you, too!

Shannon said...

He totally has your eyes too.

He looks mature for his age.

Angewl said...

I believe it is the normal self-centered teen thing. I REALLY believe this. (having a 16 yr old of my own)

He is a handsome kid.

Maybe not 8, maybe 12? lol

MsCellania said...

He is handsome, and confident looking. Will he be a senior this year, off to college or taking a year off? He'll always have his birthday off and will have a huge party to attend. That's lucky.

I don't know many parents who get along with the teen age children. Even early 20's is tough. And kids today are younger somehow than we were; but think they are so worldly and wise. They are babies!

Joke said...

It's the eyeglasses.

AMHIK.

-J.

Major Bedhead said...

Joke - AMHIK? I'm starting to loathe those abbreviation things. They make me feel like a moron.

Vickee - He got accepted to a college, but the financial aid isn't there and at $35,000 a year, it's way beyond us. So he may be taking a year off or may be going to a state college for a year. It's still up in the air.

J said...

Handsome guy .. happy birthday .. I am sure he will come back to you when he is over being 18 lol and appriciate you for who you are .. his Mom.. my friend has a 18 year olf a 15 year old and a 31/2 year old she says she feel weird too :-)

Sandra Miller said...

What a good-looking kid!

Hope he had a terrific 18th birthday.

And Julia, hang in there-- it might take a while, but he'll come around.

Joke said...

AMHIK = Ask Me How I Know.

-J.

P.S. Are you sure you've explored all the Fin. Aid options? All you have to do is say the word and I'll pull up all the research TFBIM did for a client of hers.

Major Bedhead said...

I would love to see the stuff TFBYM did. That would be fantastic.

And I'll bite - how do you know?

Kerri. said...

He is very handsome. And you two should go and get tattooed together. :)

Anonymous said...

Happy Belated Birthday Alex!

Aren't we all hideous when we're 18? Isn't there a law or something?

Joke said...

1- I know because I'm in the eyeglass wearer guild.

2- I'll dredge it up over the weekend and sling it along.

-J.