My day to brag...
 

My youngest has been a "handful" since she was 12. She went almost overnight from being a very easy well behaved child to a real hell-raiser overnight. We've had 7 years of one battle and worry after another with her. She seemed determined to self-destruct no matter what we tried.

She is now nearly 20, and is 20 weeks pregnant. Since she's not married, I do NOT like her boyfriend and her lifestyle has been so shabby, I was really concerned about this upcoming baby. Being pregnant has turned out to be a very positive thing for her. Katie hasn't drank since Halloween... (she IS an alcoholic) she now treats her dad and I with respect and love that we hadn't seen in her in far too long. To top it off, she's enrolled in college in criminal justice because she's decided she wants to be able to work with kids who are like SHE was... feels she might have some insight into them having been such a problem teen herself. :eek:

If someone had told me 6 short months ago that she would change like this I wouldn't have believed them. She seems to have switched back into our little girl as quickly as she switched out of it 7 yrs ago.

Since I had posted about how proud I was of my other 2, I felt it only fair that I post about how proud and now HOPEFUL I am for Katie as well. She hasn't got it ALL together yet, but considering where she was at she's really made a good start.

Attachment 2682

Attachment 2683

That's great news Tink. I'm sure your relationship will really benefit from her situation too. You can help her be a great momma. I was horribly crazy and irresponsibly until my daughter was born too. It's amazing what a little baby does to change your life.

thats good news! what a great day you have had!

that's a great story! i think it's great what she is going in to because no one knows how to help like those who have lived it. :thumbup:

I'm glad that you're seeing such a wonderful change in your daughter. I'm sure that you're ready to bust your buttons in pride at all she's accomplishing!! Congratulations!!!

Tink, the pride shows in your post. I'm so happy things are turning around for your children. It's so hard for us as parents because we know we taught them the right things. I guess if we just have patience, it will show.

Aww, Tink, that's wonderful news! I am so happy for you and Katie. You must be so proud!

Tink,
She started out with good roots, she just needed to grow into them and blossom.
I'm so happy for you!!

i really like what katcarasella said, really applies to the situation. i'm glad that this has made her become more responsible some people don't.

I agree. seems like Kat has a lot of wise words. :thumbup:

Tink it only gets better from here. She will soon tell you. "I am not sure what came over me. I had a great childhood." Then fear will set it. She will wonder if her son/daughter will do it to her.

That is such wonderful news Tink! She has to be a good person - look who her Mom is! She's going to be a wonderful Mom too, and you will have years of being proud of her.

I was NOT a well behaved teen, and my father never quite got over his pride when I decided to turn it around. He bragged all over Florida for years about me. (I'm not tooting my own horn, just trying to pump up your pride).