kids growing up | here i am

This is my baby girl who got a cute new haircut today.

My baby girl is really a teenager, but I still call her baby girl and think I always will.

My baby, who is almost double digits, tells me that he is the baby and always will be because he’s the youngest. I tell him that she is also my baby, even though she’s not a baby anymore.

He gives me a big hug and tells me that he’s so glad he came out of my tummy, as he rubs it and squeezes me tighter. I squeeze him back and hold him a little longer saying, “ditto!”

My oldest baby comes home tomorrow after being away for a week with our church youth group on a service trip, and I am so excited! I have missed him so much, even though I know he is safe and having the time of his life and is growing up and all that good stuff. But he’s still my baby and I like him safe in my nest. I’ve been feeling his absence and guess I’m getting a small sampling of what it will feel like when he moves out for college in a few short years. I can wait.

I am thankful for all my big babies!

What do you call your children? Will they always be thought of as your babies, like I do even when they are grown?

Life is good.

My kids are growing up and I’m aware of it, right in front of my eyes. Usually you don’t pay attention to the change happening, because you’re in it. But every once in awhile you get a glimpse and it takes your breath away.

I was watching a little boy with his mama on the train yesterday and noticed his little shoes with velcro straps. I thought about how much I loved picking shoes out for my oldest one and how my kids don’t need velcro anymore. I probably won’t have to buy those again until I have grandkids. I sure enjoyed these days, being totally involved with my kids.

My middle child spent the night in another country without me. I let her go on the bus with her team and passport for two nights away and didn’t call her or text or email or facebook with her!! I let go. I let the leash out a little more and trusted her independence. I was happy to see her when she came home today, and enjoyed all her stories. I mentioned that I missed her and that I felt the separation a little bit, letting her go and knowing she was ok. And she said to me, “I loved it! And mom, you went to a different continent with your soccer team at my age, so it shouldn’t be a big deal!” She was just being brutally honest and loving in her own way. She was proud of herself and enjoyed the experience. I’m proud of her too and realize she just got a little older and wiser.

And the little one was sitting and listening intently to Opa tell him stories about Santa Claus. He listened intently and I saw the innocence in his eyes. I love that we have magical holidays and traditions that invoke excitement and surprise. I love that he’s excited for Christmas to come and wants to buy a stocking already. I’m excited to celebrate St. Martin’s day – a new celebration for me that they celebrate here in Holland and to celebrate when Sinter Klaus comes to town on his horse. I still have time, even if they are growing up.