In the summer of 2016 I wrote about how I blinked and Abby went from sitting backwards in a car seat to sitting next to me in the passenger seat. I wondered how the heck did that happen? When did my baby become a tween in control of my car radio? I miss having control over the radio, truth be told.

This fall Abby went from the passenger seat to the drivers. I blinked and my baby went from needing me to chauffeur to in just a few short months she will be asking me for the car keys.

I’m good with that, I have always been okay with Abby is X age this is supposed to happen. It drives my mom nuts that I don’t place a lot of significance on the “first day” of whatever milestone Abby is achieving. I usually reply, I’d be worried if she didn’t!

What I am having struggles with is having a teenager with a permit and answering her questions. The endless questions.

Abby: Mom, what is the speed limit here?
Me: I don’t know I usually do 50 mph.
Abby: The last sign I saw was 35 mph. You mean you speed regularly?

Abby: Mom do I have to turn right on red?
Me: (after inquiring some police friends) Only if you feel comfortable and it is safe to do so. (Thanks to those friends)
Abby: Okay then I’m going to let the guy behind me continue to honk and give me the finger.

Abby: What is that noise?
Me: You driving over the curb

Abby: Mom, you can’t use a phone while driving because it is distracted driving, but people go thru the Dunkin drive thru and get a full breakfast. Isn’t that distracted driving, too?
Me: (eating my donut) I don’t drink coffee we are fine

Abby: Should I drive more to the left?
Me: Well I’d rather you hug the curb than oncoming traffic.

Abby: Bridget am I a good driver?
Bridget: I’m better

Abby: You know you grabbing the door handle tells me you’re scared, right?
Me: No I’m not scared I was just making sure I knew where the exit was in case of emergency. You know, like on a plane.

Abby: Mom the speed limit is 55mph
Me: Yes
Abby: You’re doing 70mph
Me: (sigh)

Abby: Should I turn on my blinker?
Me: No we are Cape Codders, we keep people guessing in rotaries.

Abby: Should I brake?
Me: Yes please before you hit the SUV in front of you.

Bridget: Mom, I can drive (as she puts her booster seat into the drivers)
Me: No, you cannot
Bridget: I’ve got this
Me: You don’t know how to drive
Bridget: Yes, I do. I can do this. I know how
Me: You cannot drive you are not old or tall enough
Bridget: That is your issue

Abby: How come when you drive me to school it takes 20 minutes but when I drive it takes 45?
Me: I plead the fifth