Well, it’s here.
I feel old…
I am officially a mother of a TEENAGER!
Not a baby, toddler, child or tween, but a real TEEN!
Yes, Lil Man officially turned 13 at 3.08am this morning.
He may be small in stature, (hence the Lil Man alias) but he is big of heart and full of personality.
Bless him, I am so proud of him!
What can I say to a newly turned teen?
Google Image
Life was very different when I was that age, not least the fact that I was a girl, suffering the hormonal imbalances of a female, not experiencing the growing pains and voice breaking joy of a boy!
But there are a few words of wisdom I’ll try to impart upon him.
- Be yourself – too many kids buckle under the pressure of trying to live up to crazy expectations of others.
- Work hard – yes, I know school feels like a drag, but seriously, this is the time to lay the foundations of your future. Get your homework done, so you can relax, and not stress at the last minute. Do the best you can, then no one should have room for complaint.
- Play hard – When it’s downtime, enjoy it. Get out there in the fresh air, make memories with your friends. Seriously, when you’re older you want to have other people in your thoughts, not computer games…
- Embrace change – the next few years are going to bring a good few changes to your body. They may feel awkward at the time, but don’t worry, you’ll grow into them, and I’ll be there to take the photos to embarrass you with, when you are a handsome young man!
- Good manners cost nothing – Always treat people with the respect you wish to be treated with.
- Be sensible with Social Media – it’s so easy nowadays, to get caught up in the whirl that is social media. Remember there is a limit, and that once something is out there on the world wide web, it is nigh on impossible to totally delete.
- Respect everyone – you’ll get to that stage soon enough, where you start to show an interest in others romantically. Remember that person is someone’s child, someone’s sibling too. Treat them how you would hope your own loved ones are treated.
- Friendships last – good friends are few and far between. Make sensible choices about who you hang around with, and remember that some of the friends you make in these teen years will be with you throughout your life.
- Do your chores – BORING, yes, I know, but essential. Learning to cook a little, keep your room clean (a lot!) and knowing how to do laundrey not only helps your poor mother, but gives youa good basis for the life skills you’ll need in the future.
- Cleanliness is next to Godliness – please don’t EVER skimp on having a shower! You’re a teen now, smelly and hormonal. I will know. Full Stop!
- Be honest with me – if you ever make a mistake, don’t be scared. I may be the biggest killjoy in your life when I tell you to get off the phone or screen, but I am also your biggest supporter. If you can admit doing something you shouldn’t have done, I can be there to help you.
- Be a strong person – (or Man Up, as you like to say) stand up for your rights and those of others you know are being wronged. If you know something is being said that is hurtful, don’t join in like a sheep. Have faith and don’t be afraid of being the one who speaks his mind, and not that of the majority.
- Remember – most of all – I love you lots, and I always will. No matter how old you are, you will always be my baby, my first born, my son ❤
Here’s wishing you a most special thirteenth birthday Lil Man, you are very precious to all of us!
And you are extra special to your Nani, or my mum, since you decided to make an appearance on her 55th birthday! Sorry mum, I can’t top that as a gift, but my brother may be able to equal it this year, with the imminent arrival of niece/nephew #2!!!
A very happy birthday to the most special mother a girl could ask for; a role model I aspire to emulate, a guide through good times and bad, and most of all, a very special friend.
Love you squillions Mum! Happy Birthday!!!!! ❤
But I Smile Anyway... 
Jul 11, 2018 @ 17:41:42
i relate my daughter is 13 and on her birthday i was quite emotional i could not believe i was a motehr of a teenager…i will point her to this article maybe she can pick on or the listed advices lol
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Jul 11, 2018 @ 17:50:02
Lol! Hope she listens!!
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Jul 04, 2018 @ 09:39:21
Great advice you have to your teen The best one was : Do your chores.
So very necessary that we teach boys to do their own work. Their ladies will be so much at peace at a later stage!
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Jul 04, 2018 @ 10:46:38
Definitely!!!
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Jul 03, 2018 @ 18:21:30
I am just a little late, but happy belated birthday to your son!! I really enjoyed reading your post and look forward to continuing to read your posts! I hope if you have the time you will check out my site! I always aim to encourage and inspire others through the words I share. I hope your week is going well!
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Jul 03, 2018 @ 18:24:51
Thank you Alyssa!
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Jul 03, 2018 @ 18:46:21
You are very welcome!
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Jul 03, 2018 @ 18:01:32
Hello! Hormones.
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Jul 03, 2018 @ 18:02:11
Oh my!! Don’t we know it here!!!! 😂
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Jul 02, 2018 @ 18:30:52
Happy birthday to your cool dude teen!! I think I might send this to my boys and tell them the list still stands at 19 & 22!! I have devoted this week’s Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs to BUYB and have shared your link! Claire x
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Jul 02, 2018 @ 18:35:12
I saw Claire! Thank you 😁
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Jul 05, 2018 @ 12:19:41
xxx
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Jul 02, 2018 @ 04:22:53
Happy Birthday to your son! He’s luck to have a great mother. Wishing him a wonderful year ahead 🙂
Best,
Takami
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Jul 02, 2018 @ 05:35:09
Thank you Takami 😃🎂
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Jul 01, 2018 @ 11:24:30
Sorry, i am late again! ;-( Congratulations to Lil man and to you too, Ritu!
Very good advices, and you also not forgot the internet. Have a nice Sunday! Michael
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Jul 01, 2018 @ 11:52:42
Thank you Michael! Have a great day!
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Jul 01, 2018 @ 14:06:09
:-))
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 16:01:35
Aw thanks Jen!!! Just rescued you from my spam!!!!!!
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 15:54:30
Sending you strength for the coming teen years of angst. And a happy birthday to your son!
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 15:50:36
I doubt you are old, you´re probably my age, 35… shit now I feel old, your fault.Yo a sexy, by the way teenagers or a single one, I guess you too was their age at some time, point being if they give you trouble….I actually have no idea how to react. My guess is that you tought them right, and that is about as much a mother can do, then they obviously develop their own personality and do whatever they want. Tell that to my mother, poor woman, my guess is to take it cool, are they going to do things you wouldn´t like? maybe yes and maybe no, and if it is a yes, tell them as my mother said ¨you either work or study and if not you are out¨ That will teach them a lesson when they have to realice called……money! Doesn´t fall out of the sky as you well know.
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 15:59:58
True dat Charly!
And I’m over 40 so liking the thought you think I’m less!!!
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 16:13:04
You´re a teenager woman! Seen your videos long time ago, you silliness and happiness, you seem like a good person, and if the kids need some ¨order¨you call me, the ¨mafioso¨…kiding, some, Stay Frosty gentes.
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 16:32:46
Ha ha!!! Thank you 😜
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 13:23:59
Oh good, I’m not the only one now experiencing the “joys” of a teen! Parker turned 13 in March. Sometimes it gets to the point I want to say, “Ok, I’ll see you on the other side when you are no longer a teen.” These are really sweet and I’m going to have Parker read them.
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 15:32:41
Thanks Angela!!! It’s all fun, isn’t it!!!
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 13:02:51
Lovely, Ritu. A very happy birthday to your son!
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 15:32:11
Thank you Jennie 🎂😊🎈
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 22:18:20
You are welcome, Ritu. 😀
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 12:45:18
My advice would be to think the best of people and try to understand where they are coming from: no one wakes up thinking that they want to be a jerk today, it’s usually a difference in opinions 🙂
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 15:31:49
That’s another great thought!
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 12:17:35
Work hard! and good manners cost nothing–so so true. Congratulations to you both. The next years will be glorious.
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 15:31:25
Thank you Angela 🎉🎂🎈
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 11:27:31
‘m so glad to see “Be yourself ” anchoring the list. That’s the most important bit of advice you could give him.
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 15:30:58
Thanks Dan. I see too many kids trying to emulate impossible to achieve things, unrealistic goals, when, if they concentrated on being the best Me they could be, life would be amazing!
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 17:28:36
Exactly. When he’s 35, you can tell him it started with having a great mom (mum?).
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 17:41:20
Ha ha! I’ll definitely do that! 😜
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 21:21:43
Happy Birthday to my teenage-nephew! When the first kid turns a teenager is very special! And so is the last one…
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 21:28:38
Oh sis! Time flies so fast!!!! Thank you auntie 💜
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 11:15:19
I hear you, sis! I hear you! Enjoy each moment!
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 15:29:27
He had his birthday treat today and is currently ensconced in a game on his pc lol!!!
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Jul 01, 2018 @ 18:42:11
Teenager… lol!
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Jul 01, 2018 @ 19:34:29
Totally! 😎
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Jul 02, 2018 @ 17:25:04
😄
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 18:13:29
Happy Birthday to both LM and Mum and those are some pretty great words of advice, Ritu. You are doing a great job parenting with that!
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 18:55:23
Thank you Janet 😍😍😍
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 16:31:17
Great advice to a 13 year old boy (or girl)! Happy birthday to your son. And no you are not old, just wiser!
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 17:02:23
Aw thanks Terri! 🎂🎊🎈
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 16:09:36
Happy birthday to your little man Ritu…isn’t it a proud moment to have raised a child who towers above you now? How time flies! Your poem is ringing in my ears…the one you shared about your new born!
Your advice is wholesome and I hope the teenagers of today are wiser than we were! 🙂
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 16:59:35
Thank you Balroop! He’s not quite towering yet but will get there I’m sure!
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 17:01:47
Sure he will and then we look proud dwarfs! 🙂
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 17:02:42
True!!!
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 16:01:23
Happy Birthday Lil’ Man – may your teens be full of joy and laughter and not too much angst. Ritu you have given particularly brilliant advice here and though there will certainly be much eye-rolling (even if not to your face) in the next few years he will know he is loved, he is special and he is protected by a very special mummy
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 17:02:10
Thank you 🎂🎊🎈
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 15:44:55
Happy Birthday to your son. Wonderful advice, Ritu. 🙂
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 16:58:48
Thank you Diana 🎂🎊🎈
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 14:54:32
Happy birthday to your son! One more piece of advice to him: Keep your own counsel. Don’t just go along with what everyone else is doing or saying. Follow your own path.
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 16:58:36
Great advice John! Thank you 🎂🎊🎈
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 14:22:46
Such good advice–and probably not listened to for about a decade! Happily, I found mothering the teenage child not nearly as difficult as some friends found it. My essential secret: My kids knew I loved them.
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 16:58:15
That’s it Jacquie!!! Most important thing! Thank you 💓🎂🎊
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 14:14:03
Congratulations to your son. condolences too you, Mom.
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 16:57:41
Ha ha! Thanks Rae!!!
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 13:41:03
Excellent advice Ritu, how can he but listen to a lovely mum like you, he is lucky having a lovely Dad too.
So happy Birthday Lilman and your Mum. 💜💜💜
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 16:57:09
Here’s hoping he listens sis! Thank you 🎂🎊🎈
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 19:24:02
He may pretend not to but he will 💜💜
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 21:27:28
💜💜💜
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 21:30:18
💜
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 13:10:31
Welcome to the years of rebellion, spending on girlfriends……… ! Have fun!
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 16:56:45
Great!!! Thank you 🎂🎊🎈
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Jun 30, 2018 @ 11:26:04
Most welcome!
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 11:03:20
Aah Happy Birthday Lil Man. Love your wisdom. I definitely agree with all of these.
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 11:07:39
Thank you Hayley!🎈🎊🎂
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 09:23:51
Happy birthday to your son Ritu! Also love your pearls of wisdom – particularly the downtime and social media ones!
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 10:54:25
Thank you Rachael! 🎂🎈😁
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 09:15:10
Aww such a sweet post. Happy 13th to him! Before you know it he will be 18… EEK… xxx
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 10:54:11
Thanks Marje! And don’t!!! That’s a scary thought!!!
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Jul 01, 2018 @ 07:48:45
It truly is my 18 year old is driving me to distraction! Ugh…
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Jul 01, 2018 @ 07:49:51
What I have to look forward to…. 😁
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Jul 01, 2018 @ 09:10:54
It’s such fun! OMG… !!! I am sure I’m growing grey hairs daily. Lol.
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Jul 01, 2018 @ 11:02:25
Mine are sprouting already!!!
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Jul 05, 2018 @ 10:37:34
You got a bit of catching up to do!
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Jul 05, 2018 @ 11:46:01
Lol!!!
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 09:13:55
Great advice Ritu 🙂
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 10:53:51
Thanks Suzanne xx
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 07:40:07
Happy Birthday Lilman and Ritu’s mum – how lovely you share the same birthday. Your wise advice should be compulsory reading for all new teens, Ritu as long as it is delivered with a large dose of love. All the points were sound but I did laugh at number 10. X
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 07:41:19
😁😁😁 thank you Yvonne 😍😍😍
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 06:23:26
Happy 13th Birthday Lil Man!!! Hope he has a fabulous day x
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 06:43:27
Thanks Shelley 🎈🎂😍
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 06:20:24
Happy Birthday (s) 🎁 hugs all round xxx
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 06:43:13
Thanks Sonia! 🎂🎈😍
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 06:10:06
Lovely. Have a great day both of you. I Might only add as my mother would Don’t pass the opportunity to pee.
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 06:12:36
Ha ha! Thanks for the additional advice His Geoffleship 😁🎂🎈
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:42:36
Thank you Brother! Happy Friday 😁
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 11:47:31
🎉 🎉 🎉 😊
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 04:31:07
I wish him Happy Birthday and many more!
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:44:44
Thank you so much 🎂🎈😁
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:56:41
Your Welcome
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 04:23:56
Happy birthday to your son and mother! What wise advice for your son – what was LilMan’s reaction?
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:44:35
Thank you Marion! He will read it upon his waking!!!! 🎂🎈😁
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 04:03:55
Happy Birthday Lil Man & Mum!! Lots to celebrate!! ❤️🎂❤️
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:44:08
Thank you Dorinda!!! 🎂🎈😁
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 14:12:03
You’re welcome! 😊
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 03:58:53
happy birthday to lil man! and to your mum too! 🙂 xxx ❤
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:43:57
Thank you so much 🎂🎈😁
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 03:57:19
Happy birthday to your baby. Xx
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:43:48
Thank you 🎂😁
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 03:49:15
Congratulations, Ritu. 13 is a milestone for a mother. I have it again next year with number 2.
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:43:39
Thanks Robbie… Scary thought but a milestone indeed!!! 🎂🎈
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 03:31:47
Wise words Ritu… must read for all teens!
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:43:13
Thanks Shivangi! 🎈😉
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 03:27:28
Happy Haaappaaayyy Birthday to him 😀
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:42:57
Thanks Esther! 🎂😁
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 03:09:41
Happy Birthday to your son! #godBless❤️
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:45:08
Thank you 🎂🎈😁
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 02:46:21
Great piece of advice and happy bday to ur son…
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:42:45
Thank you 🎂😁
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 02:21:24
Ritu you are in for an adventure. This said from a former teenage boy myself.
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:42:07
Why, thank you for the warning Tony… I’d kinda guessed it won’t be smooth sailing! 😉
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 02:15:10
Oh dear Ritu. If you feel old being mother to a teenager, how are you going to feel being a grandparent to a mid 20’s grand-daughter? 🙂
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:41:35
Ha ha!!! I can’t even think that far yet lol!!!
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 09:47:43
🙂
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 02:13:52
Happy Birthday to your son❤️
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Jun 29, 2018 @ 05:41:10
Thank you 😁🎂
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