All Rachel really wanted for her birthday was clothes and to be able to wander around the mall without a parent trailing behind, supervising without being too obvious about it (yet also without looking like some pedo creeping up on her; it's a balancing act.) I'm not at all comfortable with cutting her loose in the mall alone, even with a couple of her friends; I know she can defend herself and I know she can inflict considerable damage on someone, but I'm not as sure about her ability to ferret out someone's intent, and I'm very much aware that having the ability to defend oneself doesn't mean one walks away unscathed.

Statistically, she's safe and can shop without anything happening, but she's my daughter, not a case of statistical probability. While I think that a year from now I may feel a little better about letting her wander the mall unsupervised, I'm not there yet.

So I was conflicted about what she wanted, an afternoon of shopping without one of us around. I trust her; I don't trust other people.

Then Alex proposed a solution, and it's his birthday gift to her. Today we'll pick the kids up from school, and drop Alex and Rachel off at the mall, armed with cash and gift cards. They're meeting two of Rachel's friends, and one of Alex's; the boys will keep an eye on them (I don't care how sexist that sounds. Alex is protective of Rachel and his friend Evan is clear headed and a very mature 15, but most of all no one will mess with the girls with those two around) and they'll all have more fun than they would if I was trailing behind, even out of earshot.

What makes this a terrific gift for Rachel is that Alex thought of it himself and made all the arrangements, and didn't tell her until this morning. He greeted her with Happy birthday, Dill! and then told her what he wanted to do for her birthday; she lit up but doubted we would allow it until Char said I was on board with the plan. Alex and Evan agreed that she could shop anywhere she wanted and there would be no moaning or groaning about it, and they would even stand there and hold purses while the girls were trying on clothes.

I think he has no idea what he's in for.

Char's only worry about Alex's plan was that Kevin would feel excluded, but he has a dance class today and is excited about being there because Elizabeth is going to be there for her first non-ballet class and if Elizabeth (he says her name in italics; I think it's true love, without horny intentions) is going to be there, so is he.

After we pick the kids up we're meeting Brad, Erin, and the rest of the fmily for dinner to celebrate Rachel's 13th. Twelve people, and how much you want to bet I get stuck with the check?

And holy hell, my little girl is a teenager.