This is a big birthday week in our house. With birthdays two days apart, all other activity ceases and birthday activities consume us all. We have been planning parties, shopping, shuttling children, and generally hustling around to take care of all of the things that need to be done before the birthdays. For Oscar's dinner, we had stuffed shells, we're having crepes tonight for the family birthday dinner party, and Olivia's dinner for tomorrow is still TBD. We have made chocolate cake, vegan cupcakes, and lemon cake (new recipes are on their way). There have been pizza parties and breakfasts in bed.
And by tomorrow at noon, we will have two children in double digits. Oscar turned 10 today and Olivia will be 12 on Wednesday. Suddenly our house is no longer filled with little ones playing elaborate imaginary games. Although even Olivia still has one foot -- or maybe it's just a toe or two -- in childhood, the balance has tipped, and we are now quickly becoming a house filled with pop music, dancing, card-playing, kindle-reading, movie-watching, and big children who want to stay up later than their parents do.
It is taking me a bit of adjusting to make the switch, but I am trying to let it unfold without too much interference. They still need a good bit of guidance, but I am very curious to watch who they are becoming. I don't want to push them into being just like me; I want them to become themselves, more formed and concrete versions of the little people that they have been since they entered our lives. I am watching carefully, trying to roll with it when I can, and to apply the brakes gingerly, even if I am often tempted to yank that emergency brake up with full force.
I know this ride won't last forever, and when those young adults get off the train and head off in a different direction from me, I want them to have good memories of the journey. I want them to fly on, to venture out, and to explore. And, selfishly, I mostly want them to want to come back.
Happy, happy birthday, Olivia. And happy, happy day to you too, Oscar. I am so happy to be sharing this journey with you.
Happy birthdays to two fun and fantastic children!! We are glad to be the sidecar over here.
Posted by: Sarah O'Herron | March 14, 2012 at 11:25 AM
YOu brought tears to my eyes Margy!...They do grow so fast!...But what a wonderful blessing it is to have them in our lifes...
I hope to still be around and enjoy the fruit of yours and my sons journey with what this beautiful children will become, you are fantastic parents!
Posted by: eva | March 14, 2012 at 11:57 AM
Well, now you've made me cry. My first born turns 10 next week and I've been noticing the same things. No more pitter-patter of little feet. No more "mommy can fix everything". But I think they still need us for. Few more years. Happy birthday to the kiddos and happy birthing day to you.
Posted by: Nancye | March 14, 2012 at 07:40 PM
holy smokes...there go the waterworks...
Posted by: Chronicles of Momnia | March 14, 2012 at 10:40 PM
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Perhaps they will come back -- not to "home," but to the neighborhood -- and you'll have the blessing of seeing them often!
Posted by: Proud Poppa | March 20, 2012 at 11:03 AM