We are moving! Yes, we are biting the bullet and changing houses.
Although there are many, many things I could rant about over this topic (like how terrified I am by the work required to move, or the money we are going to spend on moving), I won’t.
What I will say is that moving has got me thinking about the past. About my kids. About all the moments and ages and stages we have enjoyed in our current house. And although I am happy to be moving and happy that my kids are growing into wonderful little people, I also feel really … sad.
When we moved into this house, our kids were little. Adorable, pudgy, cuddly, and needy. Looking back at our pictures of moving in, I realize they were at an entirely different stage from where they are now.
And it’s gone.
I am not yet suffering the teenage wrath that this mom is dealing with her in her heart-wrenching post “Where Did My Little Girl Go?” But I know it is not far off. And that scares me.
I miss those cute little kids. I miss the simplicity of them. I miss the cuteness and innocence. And I can’t believe how quickly it passed by.
I also miss being the mom of little kids. I remember being a young, new mom who still had more kids and exciting milestones to look forward to. But now I am seeing the teenage years coming down the track towards me, and I feel terrified. And nostalgic for our younger days.
Let’s be honest, being a parent to a teenager and then young adult are not milestones you yearn for. Having a baby? That’s a fun and amazing milestone. Being an empty-nester? Well, that just means you are older!
So, whether it’s for me or for them, right now I am crying in front of my iPhoto collection. And tonight I will remember to give them extra cuddles at bedtime, and sing an extra song, because before long, those opportunities will be gone.
