Friday, January 19, 2007

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.

13 comments:

Rachelle Jones said...

happy birthday!!

Jen said...

HAPPPPPPPPPPPPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!

Tanaya said...

Happy Birthday! I hope you find some really cute shoes.

Builder Mama said...

Happy Birthday, you raging hot MILF you!

By the way, I know it might seem like you're standing on the sidelines more, but your kids couldn't have a better cheerleader out there for them!

((((((((hugs)))))))))

Tree said...

Happy Birthday!!!

You are doing what you should do to make your children independent, strong, and responsible.

Anonymous said...

Happy Bithday G!!!!!

Unknown said...

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Your kids are growing up,
But you're still hot too!

Happy birthday chica!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday!

After all those new shoes for the kids you deserve a super-hot pair yourself.

Jeanna said...

Happy Birthday to you!

Mom O Matic said...

Happy birthday! And lovely thoughts on your kids growing up.

TxGambit said...

Happy Birthday!!!!

Yeah I like what Builder Mama said. You may be more on the sidelines these days but you are the best cheerleader for those cuties! Enjoy every second of it.

MamaMaven said...

Happy Birthday! I know its a little bittersweet but they sound like they've learned to take care of themselves AND each other, is there a more precious gift?

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm totally late. :( But happy birthday. I've been feeling this way about my kids lately. My son is going to middle school in the fall. I like elementary school. I'm comfortable there. But he's already talking about it. I realized yesterday that I won't be changing diapers again either. Not like I have for a few years, but, you know. The finality of it hit me. Thanks for writing this. :)