Last Sunday was Caitlin’s 16th birthday. We couldn’t quite believe that it was already 16 years since I waddled into the hospital ten days overdue and completely, utterly fed-up. Induction day couldn’t come quick enough at the time – the summer that year was experiencing a terrific heatwave and keeping cool was a feat in itself. Towards the end of the pregnancy I would wake unable to sleep because of the heat and discomfort so I would run myself a cold bath at 2am and wallow like a huge, fat whale.
She was originally due on Friday 13th but was finally born on the 23rd. Not long after she was born I began to haemorrhage due to some of the placenta being left behind. It was an eventful day and one we call her ‘Sorry-I-tried-to-kill-you-Mum’ day. She prefers to call it her birthday.
Cait is not one for spending money unnecessarily – not even other people’s money, would you believe? We asked her time and time again what she would like and her answer was always the same, she wanted memories, not things. Her reasoning was that she already had what she needed and there was nothing tangible that she wanted at the moment so asking for stuff she didn’t really want would only be a waste of money. And if there is one thing Cait doesn’t like to do, it’s to waste money. The only thing she did want to do was to see more of the world; a short break Rome again perhaps, or maybe a couple of days in Athens.
So her birthday arrived and despite her claims that she didn’t need anything, we thought differently.
Everyone bar the two eldest gathered on the sofa and prepared themselves for the gift-unwrapping extravanganza. How exciting!
First gift first! Whatever could it be? Oh it’s… socks. No ordinary socks, mind! Oh no! Merino socks. For keeping your feet snug and warm when it’s cold. What more could a girl want on her 16th birthday?!
How about TWO pairs of merino socks?! Oh yes, what a day!
Present number three has got to be an improvement. Oh wow! It’s a base shirt for keeping you snug and warm when it’s cold! She looks thrilled, doesn’t she? What do you mean no?
Okay, we will try again. Here it goes…
It’s another base shirt! Happy now? No?
Okay, one more try…
Base shirt number three! Come on! Who wouldn’t be thrilled?! Well, her siblings clearly are.
These three in particular seem rather smug about Cait’s naff gifts. Your turn will come, boys. It will come.
Okay, enough with the joke presents.
Or maybe not.
It’s an Olaf book! You know Olaf – the Frozen snowman from the place that’s cold and snowy. Recognise a theme yet?
No, neither did Cait.
“Please let this be a nice gift. Please let this be a nice gift.”
“A waterproof coat. Seriously?”
“Just don’t expect a decent retirement home when you need one. Which, I’ll remind you, is coming soon.”
Not impressed, eh? Alright. How about the BIGGIE?
This is the BEST PRESENT EVER!
We promise.
You’ll love it!
It’s… it’s… it’s…
ICE CUBE TRAYS! OH YES!
And see how generous we are? There are two there, not just one!
No need to thank us.
Okay, sit down please, everyone. We have something to tell you.
The ice cube trays represent something. And no, Cait. The clothes aren’t for our camping trip through Europe next year. Even though we’ve never camped before. But that’s another story…
You’re going to ICELAND to visit the geysers and go whale watching and hopefully (oh please, please, please!) see the Northern Lights!
(Ha! at all you boys who looked so smug earlier. Not so smug now, are you?!)
You wanted memories, you’ve got them.
Happy Birthday, sweet sixteen!
Happy belated birthday cait! Have a wonderful time in Iceland! Tania I thought you were preparing cait for the great British summer haha.
Where are you planning on camping. We love going camping and are hoping to head to Spain next summer. Hopefully we will get better camping weather than here.
Thanks, Vicky! Those clothes would have done well this month. Where’s summer?! Are you camping down through France? We’re heading the other way, going through Germany, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania before setting in Greece for a while.
Have u got a tent in mind or are u glamping?
26 weeks? You didn’t tell me! Message me! Congratulations! Have you managed to sort out the insurance? I remember Dan telling Mike about the nightmare it all is.
Oh, er, and we’re waiting for our tent.
We have tried a couple of different tents and have finally decided that vango is the only way to go.
Interesting! Any particular one? What makes you recommend it?
We have the iris with the attachable front awning at the moment but will be returning it as we are out growing it.
Dan wants the vango illusion 800 air beam. It sleeps 8. It can be set up/ down in minutes. I like the fact that it is a one time set up. Some tents, to make them large enough for big families you have to add extra porches awnings or pods.
We also looked at the hi gear kalahari 10 man tent in go outdoors which had a great deal on it in the sale.
Have you tried camping before?
Um. No. It’ll be ‘interesting’!
If you need any tips or advice feel free to ask! We love it, true family time. One thing I will say, whatever tent you decide on, go for a fully sewn in ground sheet. That’s if you don’t want the creepy crawlies curling up with u at night!
I am definitely going to be asking you a question or two! Thanks!
Oh that’s just lovely, what a brill present for her, I’ll look forward to the update on her return.
If you want a memorable birthday for someone, give them ice cube trays 😉
This is lovely, what a wonderful birthday present x
I know! We all need warm socks! 😉
That’s so lovely and so lucky to have spent some of Caitlin’s Sweet Sixteen with her x
Cait is such a caring, selfless and beautiful young lady and if only all 16 year olds could take a leaf out her book and not moan about material things all the time xx
You are so sweet, Hannah and we are so pleased that you were able to join us. It made it extra special for her. xx
I can nt believe how much she looks lyk u hun x
Oh dear. Poor thing 🙁
Aww dnt say dat ur beautiful hun she is very lucky x
I do love you, Hayley x
Gave me goosebumps and not coz it will be cold! Wonderful gift for a gorgeous girl
Thanks, Anya. I’m really hoping the Northern Lights will put on a show for her!
Thank you, Anya. I’m really hoping the Northern Lights put on a good show for her!
Happy Birthday..x
Thank you, Vidya. I hope you are all well x
Thank you! x
Hope Caitlin had a lovely 16th. I remember that summer was very hot when I was pregnant with Jozef x
It really was, wasn’t it! And look at the weather now.
Belated happy birthday from all of us xxx
Thank you all of you! Hope we’ll get a chance to say goodbye before you leave x
Thank you, Nicola – hope we get a chance to see you before you go xx
Cait has grown into a beautiful young women. And wow what an amazing bday pressie. Can you be my mum
Thank you, Amanda. No. 😛
growing fast, catlin looks so much like her nan here, xxxx
I can’t wait to show her this comment, Janet! xx
lol, say hi from me, hugs to all, i meant a young version of her nan of course, pretty girl like her mummy xxx
Oh Janet, you are such a lovely, sweet person. I love you very much xx
love u too, hope we get a reunion soon, xxxx
This girl ‘s got her head screwed on right for sure
She certainly has. And do you know what? I think she’ll remember her 16th far better than she would have if she’d received ‘stuff’.