Last night, one of Lil Man’s molar teeth fell out (milk tooth, thank goodness!).
“Mum! Look! Can I have a pound?”
I love that he only asks for a pound, sweet boy, most kids I know seem to be expecting a fiver, or a tenner even, from the Tooth Fairy!
“Go put in under your pillow. You know the tooth fairy has to come visit!”
He looked at me with those eyes… the eyes of a child who is no longer really a child (he’s turning twelve next week!) …they were saying “What Tooth Fairy? You know it’s you who places that coin lovingly under my pillow, just admit it!”
I indicated towards his little sister, as if to say “Shh! Not in front of her! She’s still little!”
But then I thought… Actually, is she?
This weekend, in the heat, I was even more aware that, even at nine, she was no longer a little girl. Developments are happening. it is no longer appropriate for her to run around with no top on. School-wise she will be due for that talk next year.
Just this week I bought her some cropped vests because she is a very heat sensitive child, like I am, and even a vest felt too hot for her, but as I mentioned, she can’t be without one completely. Modesty is something we have instilled in our kids.
I felt wrong, buying something that felt like I was almost sexualising my child, but I’m not. It’s just a vest, not a bra. And it will keep her comfortable, yet appropriately covered up.
Because she’s growing up.
Why am I trying to keep certain pretences up in front of her still?
Because I want her to remember her childhood as being magical, with a little mystery attached. Reality hits you hard when you grow up. Surely our kids need to be kids for a little longer?!
She says to me Father Christmas is not real, she loves the idea of the Tooth Fairy, but is starting to question her too. And she never believed in the Easter Bunny (except the one in Hop!). Watching things on the Internet (with me around of course!) and the school playground chatter, where those children who never believed anything because their parents never bothered to indulge them, her illusions are shattered daily.
Going back to Lil Man, he showed me how grown up he was the other day. There was an incident at his school, with a child calling him a racist name. My first reaction was “What?! I’ll get in touch with the teachers, school need to be aware!”
But he proved to be the voice of reason (after talking to Dad). “Mum, no don’t do that. I want to talk to him tomorrow. Maybe he didn’t know what he was saying…”
We made a plan.
He was to go to school and chat to the lad, explaining that what he said was offensive, and that really he should apologise, or things would get sticky, if he had to report it.
All back up plans were in action. If anything else was said he was to ring us as soon as he could so we could report the child. Otherwise everything would be okay.
And we didn’t hear a peep from him all day. He had gone in, and sensibly spoke to said mate, who apologised immediately, not realising what he had said was wrong.
Problem solved!
I guess as mummy, I have to step back now. He is getting sensible (sometimes, anyway!) Anyway, he’s not calling me ‘Mummy’ anymore. It is ‘Mum’! Definitely growing up!
And as for the Tooth Fairy. She forgot to visit! I was so tired I fell asleep!
This morning Lil man came bounding downstairs. “Mum! Can I have that pound?”
I still went and put it under the pillow (habit, I guess) but the tooth wasn’t there.
“Where’s your tooth?”
“It’s in the bin!”
“What???”
I found it. And stored it in a bag full of jumbled teeth. Which ones are his and which are Lil Princess’s, I no longer know… but that sentimental part of me is not interested in throwing them away… not yet… they are still my babies!
Be a Kid Again
Sep 04, 2017 @ 20:45:03
I can certainly relate to a sensitive child. I thought for sure my twelve year old Mallory knew there was no Santa and was playing it safe for my youngest Kimberly. Kimberly was 8. When I finally told her she no longer had to pretend the reaction was shocking. She cried and cried. So glad they are all grown up.
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Ritu
Sep 04, 2017 @ 21:12:05
Aw! My son tries to pretend but just slips up!
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Nancy
Jul 01, 2017 @ 23:42:00
Hard to give up certain things even when we know they’ve out grown them, isn’t it? If only we could revisit those younger times now and then just to get a cuddle or two. 😊
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Ritu
Jul 02, 2017 @ 08:46:49
I know.. . But then I love a cuddle with my parents as a 41 year old. I can only hope that they will be cuddly as adults too!!!
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Mr. Militant Negro
Jun 27, 2017 @ 15:46:45
Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
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Rae Longest
Jun 25, 2017 @ 22:26:34
Delightful post, makes reading your poems all the better!
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 22:33:18
The family ones are all based in truth!!!!
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Rae Longest
Jun 25, 2017 @ 22:34:23
And the family ones are sweet.
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 22:34:42
😍😍
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Ruth Daly
Jun 25, 2017 @ 19:21:52
I kinda miss those days, but ah, that tooth fairy. My oldest son (aged about 6 or 7 at the time) told me the tooth fairy left his friend nothing less than a TV when her tooth fell out!
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 19:34:59
Lol!!!! Pushing boundaries taken to the next level lol!!!!
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Lucy Mitchell
Jun 25, 2017 @ 18:29:37
Lovely Post! Made me smile. Does the tooth fairy appear when you are old, crumbly and your teeth fall out?
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 18:31:33
Surely by then we’d only get pennies due to wear and tear though! 😂
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Lucy Mitchell
Jun 25, 2017 @ 19:16:49
Thx Ritu – my nursing home dream just been shattered 😂
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 19:34:28
😂😂
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emfletche
Jun 25, 2017 @ 17:25:17
What do you mean – no “Tooth Fairy”? And no Santa? You could have warned me there would be spoilers 😀
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 17:49:55
😂😂😂 sorry!!!!
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Diana Frajman
Jun 25, 2017 @ 17:24:54
I swear, children growing up is harder on the mom than the kids! Mine are 29 and 32 and I still have a hard time with their growth into adulthood. My son is getting married in 3 weeks and I am more stressed out that he is stressed out than worrying about all the wedding plans. Here’s a truth Ritu, but no matter their age, you will always be a mother. 😉
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 17:49:42
And long may that last eh Diana!!!
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angelanoelauthor
Jun 25, 2017 @ 16:56:16
I think you’re handling the whole “growing up” thing beautifully. Any child who can manage as your Lil Man did in talking with his friend has learned from the best.
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 17:03:48
That is so sweet of you to say… I think he got the calmness from his dad!!! 😊
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Jennifer
Jun 25, 2017 @ 16:40:48
Get ready for everything to go into overdrive in the next few years. I love the way he handled the situation, that’s a thoughtful child you are raising.
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 16:51:56
Oh man I’m gearing up for it!
He really does have his moments bless him! 😍
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josypheen
Jun 25, 2017 @ 16:18:23
I am really impressed with your sensible lil man. What a mature way to deal with name calling. You’re bringing up a good ‘un.
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 16:30:34
He really does have his moments… but there can be the really difficult ones too!
But I am blessed. He is a lovely lad xxx
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Gary
Jun 25, 2017 @ 15:35:15
Just eek! Mine are turning 18 and 15 this year with the A level and GCSE combo next year! How… or when did I blink and find them no longer little??? Tempus Fugit and all that. Such a relatable post Ritu #GaTu
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 15:57:04
Gary, it is quite scary how fast time goes!!!!
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Gary
Jun 25, 2017 @ 16:07:31
On that you are not kidding (pun intended lol). I feel up to ten or eleven things seem to go on forever, post eleven upwards things change really fast in terms of growth and cognitive learning. Early memories fade, their homework is like eh? puberty sets in and where last year it was lets eat in McD’s it suddenly goes to Drive Thru as mates might be in there and I’m NOT being seen with you in public anymore!!!!! Gosh I feel a post rant coming on lol
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 16:29:41
Lol!!!! Lil Princess is 9… but she us growing up far too fast… she made me a behaviour chart yesterday!!! Post will be following Lol!
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Gary
Jun 25, 2017 @ 16:59:41
What lol? as in to monitor your behaviour lol…. excellent and one of those things they can look at you and say; you said no because you can’t be bothered didn’t you!!
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 17:04:11
Oh it’s got to be seen to be believed!!!!
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Gary
Jun 25, 2017 @ 18:42:00
Then I await the blog post eagerly lol
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 18:42:11
😂😂😂
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lindahobden
Jun 25, 2017 @ 14:43:14
Oh Ritu I can relate – my 4th child is going to be 12 in August and he has started calling me mum and still accepts the £1 tooth fairy coin I put under his pillow! My youngest is 10 and calls me Mum rather than mummy but every time he leaves the house he tells me that he loves me (it melts my heart!) My 3rd son is 19 and now calls me Mother in a deep voice! My daughter still calls me mamma 😊 and my eldest son calls me mum. Lovely post 😊
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lindahobden
Jun 25, 2017 @ 14:44:28
PS I’ve still got all 5 of my children’s baby teeth 😳
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 15:06:43
😁
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 15:07:40
Thanks Linda! They grow so fast then you hear them sat something which reminds you they’re still your babies!
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Lisa Orchard (@lisaorchard1)
Jun 25, 2017 @ 14:12:14
I’m struggling with this myself! My oldest is twelve and his voice has started to change. Sob! He’s also as tall as I am. This is happening way to fast, but I feel blessed that I was able to stay home with them and watch them grow. Being their mom is amazing! 🙂
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 15:08:33
At least my soon to be 12 year old is still smaller than me Lol!!! He’s truly Lil Man!!! Bless Em all!!!
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SickChristine
Jun 25, 2017 @ 13:07:30
I don’t have the teeth anymore, husband insisted I throw them away because he thought it was creepy. I kept my oldest’s first lock of hair from her first haircut and found it when she last visited. She said it was creepy. Hahhahaha! I still kept it.
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 13:09:36
Lol!!! Us creepy mum’s!
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TanGental
Jun 25, 2017 @ 10:40:31
Ah yes the baby teeth; we kept our kids too, in an old tea pot that formed part of a collection we have. Then, aged about 14 the Vet has friends round who, decide to look inside the pots. No idea why nor why the chose the one with the teeth… boy did we get a reputation as creepy parents, like a cross between the Adams family and something off Buffy
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 10:55:33
Lol!!! Mine are kept in a little toiletry bag…. I’ve no idea who’s tooth is whose either!
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shelleywilson72
Jun 25, 2017 @ 09:12:44
Oh, Ritu! Yes to all of this! I realised I’d ‘lost’ my little girl when she wouldn’t hold my hand anymore in public. It was heart breaking. Now she has more shoes and make up than me!! My eldest son turns 19 in a few weeks and I have to look up at him when I speak, and yet I close my eyes and I’m back in the maternity ward! At least we can be proud that we’ve brought our children up the right way so they can embrace their independence, and show strength of character like your son has. 🙂
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 09:21:54
It’s just too scary though Shelley!
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 09:22:25
Why do they grow up so fast?! Still…they will always be our babies!
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shelleywilson72
Jun 25, 2017 @ 09:24:01
Always and forever xx
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thebeasley
Jun 25, 2017 @ 08:56:52
I have no intention of letting go ha. I’m so in denial of her growing. Luckily, at almost 7yrs, I can continue with the tooth fairy, Father Christmas & Easter bunny. Your son sounds wonderful. A very sensible & wise little man. Well done you. You’re obviously doing a good job with your children xx
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 09:20:46
Thanks Hayley… though I’m not sure about the good job… considering they drove me to tears yesterday!!!!
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thebeasley
Jun 25, 2017 @ 09:22:11
Oh I think that’s normal though, isn’t it? Bless you though sweetheart. I hear you xx
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 09:22:59
Clears the air for a while at least eh!
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Rajiv
Jun 24, 2017 @ 06:21:38
Dwayne Johnson is the tooth fairy. Trust me on this one
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Ritu
Jun 24, 2017 @ 08:48:31
Lol! The kids love that film!
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Rajiv
Jun 24, 2017 @ 10:35:24
I am sure! You know that he was a WWE wrestler?
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Ritu
Jun 24, 2017 @ 11:34:59
I do indeed!
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Rajiv
Jun 25, 2017 @ 14:54:13
Hah!! A gentle soul like you??? Well, the best ever was The Undertaker
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 15:06:24
When I used to watch it… a lo g time ago…with my brother… the undertaker was around! Hevo my retired recently!
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Rajiv
Jun 25, 2017 @ 15:08:11
Yeah… His retirement was sad
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dearanonymousfriend
Jun 23, 2017 @ 21:34:16
I saved my girls teeth also… you work so hard for those stupid teeth to come in, it just seems wrong to dispose of them… My kids were far enough apart that as one was cutting teeth the other was popping them under her pillow… I walked the floor many a night wondering what was the use, they were going to fall out anyhow! This is a precious post… but, I will tell you that you will still be Mummy some time, when their hearts are broken or they just need comforting… mine are now 38 and 34 and every once in a while I pick up the phone and hear, Mommy…. and I melt.
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Ritu
Jun 23, 2017 @ 21:52:07
Well I’m 41 and I still need my “mummy ” too so I know What you mean!!! 😀😍
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dearanonymousfriend
Jun 23, 2017 @ 23:02:15
and I feel really, really old right now!! 😉 I had my children later, so, yep, I am old enough to be your mom too!
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Ritu
Jun 24, 2017 @ 01:03:57
Lol! Hey mum!! 🤗
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dearanonymousfriend
Jun 24, 2017 @ 03:43:36
haha!!!
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willowdot21
Jun 23, 2017 @ 10:50:48
It is never time to let go Sis, two of my boys are in their forties, one in his thirties with a wife and two children. I feel their pain, share their joy,rage at their bosses and people who hurt then… silently. They bleed we bleed the are happy we are they are our babies.💜💖💜
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Ritu
Jun 23, 2017 @ 12:11:55
So true sis! Xxx
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willowdot21
Jun 23, 2017 @ 13:57:42
💜💖
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Tony Burgess
Jun 23, 2017 @ 09:56:56
This Christmas check out the movie The Polar Express and it talks about Santa/Father Christmas being real or not. It’s a Tom Hanks movie so you can’t go wrong.
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Ritu
Jun 23, 2017 @ 12:09:04
Oh yes I’ve seen it Tony!!!
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Marje @ Kyrosmagica
Jun 22, 2017 @ 19:33:51
Oh, this may me smile. I did the same thing fell asleep and forgot to put the money under the pillow! Terrible mum… They grow up so quick Ritu. Mine are so very grown up it amazes me. Where did all that time go? Sounds like your son is a sensible lad, well done to him for talking to his mate and diffusing what might have become a difficult situation.
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 20:48:53
I know, bless him Marje! They grow up way too fast!!!
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robbiesinspiration
Jun 22, 2017 @ 19:07:56
Gregory said to me one day when he was about eight years old “Mom, Father Christmas is the milk of human kindness.” Greg had worked out that he wasn’t a man on a sleigh that delivered presents to good children because he noticed that poor children only go donated presents. Our kids are amazing.
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 20:48:09
They are indeed Robbie! 😍
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Judy E Martin
Jun 22, 2017 @ 14:59:20
Although I kept the Tooth Fairy going with Miss Hap,nothing could persuade me to keep the fallen out teeth!!! Believe it or not, that makes me feel a little queasy!! I don’t see anything wrong in those littlee cropped top for little girls, Sis, as you say, they are practical and comfy 🙂
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:36:31
Well I hope So!!!! Lol! Sis they grow too fast!!!!
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colinandray
Jun 22, 2017 @ 13:58:25
A pound! A fiver! We were thrilled if we found a sixpence under our pillow. I suddenly feel old. Thx Ritu! 🙂
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:35:59
Lol! You’ll never be old Colin!
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colinandray
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:37:09
🙂
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jacquelineobyikocha
Jun 22, 2017 @ 10:13:25
Ha! Good to know that I am not the only mama who collects a jumble of fallen teeth. Sentimental reasons I guess. Lovely post 🙂
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:33:30
Thanks Jacqueline! I can’t stop!
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weggieboy
Jun 22, 2017 @ 09:53:15
Wow! I know I’m older than dirt! The tooth fairy only gave me the equivalent of slightly less than 20 pence (a US 25 cent piece) for my teeth. A pound seems extravegant, but a FIVER?? A TENNER?! Whew! You lucked out, Ritu!
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:33:00
I know Doug Lol! Extortion!!!
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Tony Burgess
Jun 23, 2017 @ 09:57:41
Everything is adjusted for inflation these days.
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Ritu
Jun 23, 2017 @ 12:10:01
True!
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thegirlnextdoor
Jun 22, 2017 @ 09:25:00
Cute 😍 Read a cute post after a long time.
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:32:08
Thank you 🙂
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Em Linthorpe
Jun 22, 2017 @ 08:43:35
I just love this and I empathise with it all ☺ it’s pride and excitement watching them grow into young adults, mixed with apprehension about doing the right things by them ❤
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:31:58
God it’s soooo hard! Thank you 💖
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davidprosser
Jun 22, 2017 @ 08:38:36
Ah, it’s so hard to admit children are growing up. Little girls especially when you have to start clothing them when they just want to run around free and unencumbered. remember the crop top stage with my daughter. She’s older than you now Ritu with two beautiful children yet she’s still my baby.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:31:29
They’ll always be our babies! 😍
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amindfultravellerblog
Jun 22, 2017 @ 08:04:37
Ahhh, the joys. They will always be your babies no matter what age they are. It’s the pleasure of watching your kids grow up. 🙂
https://amindfultravellerblog.wordpress.com/
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 08:10:33
So true!!!! Xxx
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