Well, I guess if you only have one child, "these days" tend to go very fast. if you have five... not so much.
I came to the startling realization this week that "these days" are finally over.
Last weekend we drove to the far side of the state to go to some really cool water slides. Me, and my five kids. Just us, no dad. I realized that all of my kids were old enough to play without my constant supervision. Even the youngest of my kids was told, "I am going to go ride this ride. You stay here." And he did.
Then, just yesterday, we walked in our town's parade. I just walked. two of my kids watched, and three of them walked with our group. I didn't have to hold any one's hand. I didn't even worry that they would get lost. I just handed out business cards for MOPs and chatted to people I knew along the way.
I guess "these days" are over. They were exhausting, and I think it will be a REALLY long time before I miss them.
5 comments:
It's funny. When Bird and I get think about how much more freedom we have with Yaya at the park and other places we wonder how hard it will be to go backward to having to be 100% attentive 100% of the time. I understand what you're saying in this post and we're enjoying this time too. That said, we would be thrilled if we were chosen to do it all again with baby #2 today.
what a huge realization! We let Eli ride his bike around the block...but not cross the street and get himself a fanta. He was thrilled...all in Hungarian. I was proud of him and thankful that he was okay, because we do live right downtown on busy roads.
Those days are not over for long. Eventually you are a Gramma and it returns. You are constantly worrying about one of them, at any given time, and all of the freedom their mother(s) gives them. I am not the ONLY HELICOPTER GRAMMA out here either.
The kids will be pulling at you emotionally in their teens. Enjoyyour brief peace.
I already enjoy each last moment of them sitting in my lap, wanting a cuddle before bed, and arguing over who gets to sit next to Mommy.
But I also long to be able to have a conversation without having to stop a fight, say "Get Down" or "No" or soothing a crying child.
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