There are many ways to tell that my children are growing. The fact that N went from the toddler section to the big boy side of the store was a scary thing for me, I actually cried in Target, one lonely tear cry. Megan has also jumped to clothing that ends in “T” no more “months” for my baby. My heart gets a little heavy, as my wallet gets a litter lighter, as my little ones become a big boy and girl. Yesterday I discovered a new way to determine their growth, a trip to the park. This is not our first trip to the park this spring but for some reason yesterdays trip was a vast remainder on how much N & M have grown.
N by the end of fall last year had allowed us to put him in a swing and push him gently. All last summer he struggled with the idea of the big boy swing. He enjoyed being pushed high in the baby swings but the openness of the big boy swing was a little much. This spring there is no fear of the open swing, in fact we are doing “underdogs” or whatever monster truck he is at the moment. He loves the wind in his hair and the higher the better. He is letting down his guard a little bit at a time, it is so cool watching those insecurities of last year melt away.
M no longer needs mommy’s guidance, or as I called it the linebacker defense, as she toddles up the stairs and heads down the slide. In fact the idea of me behind her brings out the sullen teenager in her. Roll of the eyes and finger pointing down makes her look twelve not almost two. I am still cautious but I take a step back. M is my no fear girl. I always think of the quote, my lovely sister-in- law told me once. “Well behaved woman seldom make history.” Watching Megan demand her independence in the smallest ways makes me know she will make history.
For a few moments I get to sit on the park bench and watch my kids play. I get to watch and laugh as M tries to chase bird, or see N have monster truck races down the slide. Being able to relax like this reminds me that my children are getting older, I can take a step back and watch them play. But for the record I will always take my shoes off and play in the sandbox. http://lilmomthatcould.com/
