They say it's your birthday...

It's been a hard couple of weeks around here. Usually is this time of year. Except this year it's been seven years. Seven years and now I'm reminded daily that the kids are growing up.

Two weeks ago I was at Target with my mom. The kids like to measure their feet. It was then I noticed that they all needed new shoes. Big Girl is in a 3, the Boy is in a 12 1/2, and the Baby is in a 10. A freaking 10. She's two. The Big Girl also needed a complete wardrobe overhaul when her 7 slims started to look like highwaters and the sleeves of her shirts no longer grazed her wrist.

Last night at swimming lessons, I saw my seven year old take off. Diving for rings, flipping from front to back, while swimming, on command. I saw my four year old take off with out "floaties" or "water wings." He also started going after rings. I couldn't believe it. The baby's there the whole time on my lap telling me it's "Not Fair" that she doesn't get to go swimming. "Not fair, Mama, Me swim too."

Tuesday night, my oldest gave the Toddler a bath. Washed her hair, scrubbed her good. Then she got her out of the tub, dried her off, and helped her with her jammies. The boy got himself in and out of the tub with only a modicum of help. The Big Girl? Moved on to taking a shower.

The Baby. She's potty trained. I've mentioned it before, but to have something stop so suddenly... I mean it's been seven years I've been changing diapers. Seven. To have that come to an unceremonious end smarts a little. Trust me, it's something I've been looking forward to. For the last couple days, about the time I go to ask her if she needs to use the facilities, she's already there. Doesn't need my reminder - usually.

More and more I feel like I'm standing on the sidelines.

I do feel like I'm turning a corner. Life is too short, too precious, to worry and wonder about what's coming next.

This morning, I had a request to play with play-do. All that we have is from last year, and it smells funny. Rather than put them off, I made some.

Play Dough
1 c flour
1/2 c salt
2 t Cream of Tartar
1 c water
1 T oil

Combine flour, salt, and cream of tartar. Add water and oil; mix well. Cook until ball forms. Add coloring as desired.

They're currently keeping busy with the red, yellow, and blue. I'm sure by now there are varying degrees of orange, purple, and green. My next stop in internet land is eddiebauer.com. Going to see what to buy with my birthday money from my mother in law. Probably shoes. You can never have too many shoes.

My parents will be here tomorrow, so my husband and I can go out to celebrate.

Today is my birthday.