I am sitting at the kitchen table the night after the party. Small Sprog was 16 yesterday - yep, you read it right, 16!
Out of both the children, when he was younger, I always tried to keep his parties at 'venues' due to the propensity of exuberant boys to be, well, exuberant! Whereas Tall Girl had her parties at home. Strangely, Small Sprog has always been the one who wants to bring his friends home, never ashamed of me (parents are uber embarrassing) and always happy to be open with his mates. In contrast Tall Girl rarely brings friends home. Strange really.
So years ago when we were at Soft Play for Small Sprogs birthday with 10 or more marauding boys and girls (he always has girls) little did I suspect that I'd be sitting here listening to 6 teenagers running around upstairs, worrying about the ceiling withstanding the chaos that ensues!
This is no toddler party, oh no, it's a full on 24 hour teen sleepover! Give me strength! I had full instructions to be out of the house, so feeling homeless I found stuff to do from yesterday lunchtime, coming home briefly to cook pizza before leaving again until bedtime.
I'm relieved to say the house is still, mostly, in one piece. The teens have slept - all in the sitting room in what looks like a ragged heap of airbeds and sleeping bags. I have been used as a human shield - nerf guns still seem 'de rigeur' at 16 - by one of his semi naked mates. It wasn't a highlight I can tell you, in fact that's why I'm here in the kitchen (hiding) - that was a step too far for me on a Sunday morning!
A mass of bacon and egg sarnies have been made and devoured, along with Bucks Fizz because they forgot to drink the champagne last night.And I am thankful, so very thankful, for this house full of noise and laughter. I have saved it to my memory hard drive, because one day he will truly grow up - rather than be this 'halfling'. There will be serious stuff and other people to spend his special day with. The door closes slowly, I can see him leaving, but not yet. I am not the most important person in his life anymore, not like when he was small and at his soft play party. And that's how it should be, others have and will continue to take my place - it's been a blast Hazz. Happy 16th Birthday x
Happy Birthday to the not so Small Sprog!
ReplyDeleteBrave of you to have them all under the one roof! Yes...... I know what you mean about boys parties! Quite boisterous affairs. Hope you get help with the clearing up! But I guess that's what mums are for to do all that!
Maggie x
They were pretty good Maggie, I was pleasantly surprised!!
DeleteSo with you on all of the above..and my youngest is 16 in July so nearly there. Lx
ReplyDeleteMaking the most of them is the name of the game I guess- even in moments of madness!
DeleteThe trials and tribulations (and joys and rewards) of being a parent! Glad they had a good time without totally wrecking the happy home. No doubt you'll see the funny side of being a human shield in due course!
ReplyDeleteIt was funny Nick, but a bit unnerving- they're all so big now!!
DeleteA gathering of large teenage boys can certainly be unnerving! I've experienced it here too, though in slightly smaller numbers... Happy Birthday to him x
ReplyDeleteBelated happy regards to Small Srog but I do think he has to now become Halfling at least from now until 18. Like you I wonder where all the time goes. I've a 20 year old as my youngest now!
ReplyDeleteGoodness I cannot believe Small Sprog is 16 - how time has flown by. I am pleased the party went well.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to him, and well done to you for hosting a teenage sleepover, I certainly wouldn't be brave enough ;)
ReplyDelete