It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this big of a shift in seasons. I think the last time was about ten years ago when Tom and I made the decision to start trying for our third child! That feels like a lifetime ago.
I think this shift has come later than it should have; Katie and Dakota are 8 and almost-7 years old. I think a lot of people feel the shift when kids are out of diapers or out of strollers. With Katie’s illness I think we all got a little “behind” in our personal growth and development.
I’ve been afraid of this shift. But it is time to accept that seasons change, and to move on.
It’s a little (or a lot!) bittersweet.
In the past couple months I’ve swapped my full-sized SUV for a sub-compact sedan. Dh has swapped his minivan for a compact sedan. I’m selling our stroller. We decided to send our oldest boy on to high school in the fall, ending a long period of homeschooling for him. Our youngest girl joined a dance/drill performance team and is immersing herself in dance. Our family has discovered that we all love community theater and that is a rich part of our lives now. Our youngest boy is enjoying having more alone time with his mama while his siblings are jumping into their new lives and activities, including our oldest daughter who started college full-time a few weeks ago.
We’re clearing out unused toys and outgrown clothes and neglected household items. I’m addressing my issues with hanging onto things (again…never seems to end!) and simplifying our lives. I’m finally getting to a point where I feel like I have time to finish the two academic certificates I’ve been working on for over a year. I also purchased my first (as an adult) horse and am working on getting (both he and I) in shape. I’m in a women’s barbershop show chorus. I’m doing things for ME now and seriously considering how to (1) finish my bachelors’ degree and (2) earn a reliable income consistently.
We’re moving on from having babies and little kids. And I almost feel like a grown-up.
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