How do you let go a man you have spent half your life with? Because that’s what I have to do. Yes my son is now 18 (the age I was when I had him) and this year is planning to leave home to go to University. Do not kid yourself that September/October is not far away, as I know all too well how fast the last eighteen years have gone. I am incredibly proud of the man he has become, particularly given the difficult start in life. I am pleased to see that he has made some fantastic friends and is all that anyone could wish for in a (teenage) son. So a bit belated but here is some photos from his birthday.
For his eighteenth birthday we started with a special cooked breakfast – complete with sparkling sausage. His chair had so many helium balloons on it that it was like a scene from Up! We had hats, crackers and lots and lots of poppers. We printed off photos of him throughout his life and laminated them as placemats.
Of course there were presents and cards. I wanted to get him a watch and told him that he may appreciate it when he’s older looking back. His dad is the one that wants to make him smile though, and so he also got a white PS4. Not forgetting the chocolate smash cake filled with chocolates.
But the real birthday treat was a surprise. Thanks to his friends to help with months of planning, I had organised from him and his group of friends to go ice-skating at The Mall Cribbs Causeway. He had no idea. He took it really well when his friends said that they’d do something another time, and didn’t seem to even mind that I seemed to want him all to myself. There were 9 of them in the end but unfortunately they were only on the ice for about 5 minutes before one of the party was knocked over on the ice. She consequently fractured her arm and we had to take her home. The meal was cancelled and arranged for another time. But he was so happy, so pleased to see his friends.
Luckily I had paid for 10 skaters (one of the friends was unable to make it at the last-minute) and so had a POD booked. This meant that all the skate were there when we arrived (well one pair was missing so I swapped the spare pair for the right size) and a place we could sit near the ice. This meant that we just left the skates there when we were done. Unfortunately people just came in and used the POD and things were not safe so someone needed to stay with the belongings. The first aiders got to us quickly and were very good. The ice was accessible by wheelchair (manual) but it was not easy to get to the POD with a wheelchair through the crowds of people lining up to take their skates back. The accessibility team at Cribbs Causeway were also very helpful with all my queries and do hire out manual chairs for free.
My son has had offers from all 5 Universities and I wish him all the best for his exams. But I have to admit I am feeling sad at the thought of him leaving already. My husband and friend tell me not to worry, that he will soon be back. But there’s that fear isn’t there.
It is scary when this time comes. My son was 18 6 weeks before he left for Uni, and I was scared, anxious and excited for him all at once. The first year he came home about once a month or so, then when he moved out of Halls into a house, it was about every 6-8 weeks. But I spoke to him weekly and thanks to Social Media kept tabs on him. I missed him every day…I am a saddo, I admit. All you can hope is that you’ve brought them up right, and that they don’t go mad and they’re enjoying the course. My son is back now after 4 years away and I have to admit…I’m glad! Whatever happens I know your boy will be fine. Enjoy the next months planning and supporting his decisions…he will always need his Mum.
Sounds like your son had a fabulous time despite his friend falling over (hope she is ok!) and the meal. When my parents dropped me off at Uni, my mum cried all the way home… I went to the SU bar! 😉 x
Aw how disappointing that the ice skating didn’t go according to plan. But sounds like he had a fab day anyway. I can’t imagine waving my guys off – but then again – they’ll probably be boomeranging back before you know it!
oh i wish hime ht ebest of luck with his exams too how proud you muct be of him
oh wow what a shock , i know how you feel though , well not quite the 18 bit but ive just got to the point where my oldest is going to comprehensive school which t me is a big thing, they grow so quickly x
I can’t imagine having to let one of my children out in to the big wide world, however knowing that he is had a good upbringing and heading off to one of five universities should make you proud.
Ah it’s such a bittersweet time isn’t it Joy – seeing them grow and leave and feeling both sad and happy about it all. Sounds like you celebrated in style- what a shame about the one who fell! x
I can feel the pride oozing out of the screen reading this.
Happy birthday to your amazing young man.
I’ve just completely got my head in the sand with regards to the idea of my kids ever leaving home. I just forbid it!
It is so hard when they grow up. I can’t believe that Oli is off to New Zealand in a week, it will be very strange. You do adapt to them growing up though and they will always be our babies, wherever they are. I love the idea of the ice skating, what a great way to celebrate
Ahh 18, that is a massive milestone, what a shame about his friend and her injury on his birthday treat but he sounds like he took it really well. Proud Mummy Joy. Mich x
Congratulations you on raising an 18 year old! Lovely post and pics and huge congrats on all those offers – just brilliant! Good Luck to your boy/young man!
Happy 18th and hope going ot university goes well! I also hope the injured party recovers quickly! I can’t imagine what it’ll be like when my little ones leave home buit I know it will come round very, very quickly. #loudnproud
A belated happy birthday to your son! No wonder you are proud of him and, of course, you should take a lot of credit for raising him. He is a real credit to you.
Sorry the birthday celebrations didn’t go quite as planned, but pleased he enjoyed it anyway.
(Love your celebration breakfast idea, wonder if I can remember it for the next four and a bit years and use it myself?!)
I can’t even imagine the tears I will cry when my twins reach this mile stone, I could cry just thinking about it, but they are only 5 so I shall enjoy each moment whilst I can