Just in time for Mother's Day! Normally when I think about "mothering" my mind would wander to thoughts of spit-up and endless laundry, hours spent in the rocking chair in the middle of the night, the endless diaper changes (also known as wrestling matches in our house), heaving the stroller in and out of the trunk, cleaning every meal off of the floor... the list goes on. Because my own daughter is just 19 months, and most of our friends have young children, generally I can't think of life past age 6. But it's there waiting for us – life with kids, not babies. I spent an awesome evening last week with my neighbours (who also are 3 of the finest babysitters I know!), and it got me to thinking about life with kids. Kids who go to school everyday and bring home not only math homework, but their successes, challenges and fears. Kids who are in activities every night of the week (with parents who joke about being chauffeurs). Kids who fight with their siblings and argue over who gets to use the bathroom first. Kids who have sleepovers and stay up until 3 in the morning giggling and squealing. Kids who take up hobbies like skateboarding, and risk breaking their ankles and wrists several hours a day. Kids who play loud instruments like the violin and drums, and practice every night in the basement. Kids with heartbreaks like not making the team, failing a test, or losing a friend. Kids with triumphs like scoring a goal, achieving an A+, or getting the lead in the school play. Kids who ask questions, like: "Why isn't there enough food in the world for everyone?", "Why don't the other kids like me?", "How do you solve quadratic equations?".
Our roles as moms certainly change as our babies grow. All that said, I can only imagine how much more exciting life is as your kids get older. If I'm proud watching Robin learn how to use a fork, I can't even begin to think of how proud I'll be on her first day of school, or when she makes a team, or wins an award.
But back to my neighbours! Three fine ladies who I have gotten to know quite well over the last year. We spent a great evening together and what a fun change it was for me to work with some pre-teens! These girls are well-spoken, responsible, caring and always have something interesting to say. I love hearing about their activities and friends. And although they bicker (as sisters do), it's obvious that they care about each other and share an amazing bond. Their mom must be doing something right :-)
Happy Mother's Day weekend!