Tuesday 24 March 2015

Bats, balls and ballet shoes

Last night as I was staring into the eyes of the most gorgeous little 3 week old boy it hit me once again - we have 3 kids in primary school! Gone are the days of bottles, babies and bums. We are solid in the bats, balls and ballet shoes years. And gosh, I am loving it. I am loving seeing them growing up, developing interests, finding their own ways. More and more independent almost every day.

Sometimes I wonder if maybe I wished those earlier years away. Did I take enough notice of the little things - the small wonders that makes up our daily lives? I love doing Project life as it retains the memories of so many of those daily little things. Years ago I made photo books and paging through them brings a flood of memories. But how often did I live with the "this too shall pass" mantra in my head in stead of living life to the full - watching 3 little lives blossom. Yes, we had few a rough cards dealt to us that sometimes made life a lot harder than your run of the mill family's. But we dealt with them best we could and we were incredibly blessed as a family.

I also realised that I should read more books to them because the days of bedtime reading (and I am willing to admit that sometimes I really did not want to do it - I was tired, hungry, ready for adult time) is almost at an end. Mr L read his first little book this weekend - we now have 3 readers. Maybe reading to them should never stop.

This morning I dropped off the kids like every school morning . Mr L the most independent grade 1 I ever had give me a quick hug and made for the gate running into the school grounds and to his class. I quietly watched him from the pavement to make sure he makes the walkway in front of his class. A typically 10 year old- unhappy with me for some reason I do not even recall - turned her back to me and I had to hug a reluctant shoulder with a backpack as she stomped away all angry. My grade 2 took my hand and asked me to walk to his class with him. Bliss - I obliged because it was such a welcome feel of love after the 10 year old. In front of his class we met his teacher that had a quick chat with me while he ran away happily with a friend after a hug and a kiss. And as we were standing there I got a huge hug from behind and a head that sits above my shoulder these days popped around my side. She kept hugging me until I said goodbye to the teacher - gave me a kiss and a "I love you".

I am so thankful for that little blessing - for her possibly deciding in her walk into school that she was wrong. These are indeed the days of miracles and wonders - the days of bats, balls and ballet shoes. Because yes, this too shall pass. Unfortunately.

15 comments:

  1. Awww, sweetness. I'm at the point that I can't imagine him being able to do anything for himself. Being with him all day everyday probably has something to do with that. But I do miss my baby, he never threw tantrums over nothing.

    Also yay for reading. I'm excited for the books to come with bedtime reading...we're so going to read Harry Potter together.

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    1. Treasure the moments - they pass too soon

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  2. This is such a sweet post! I love that she turned back!!!

    I'm about to write a little school post too :)

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  3. They grow too fast and sometimes I wish I could freeze time!

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  4. How I love this post, with a 14y old and a 9y old I can relate 100%. The one pulling away (sometimes even pushing) and the younger 1 holding my hand so tight our palms get all sweaty.
    Reading together is still 1 of my most special moments of "togetherness" .....Roald Dahl, Rivierplaas, Lotta se lewe, you name it! xx

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  5. loving this - made me feel a little bit weepy!

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  6. Sadly these moments also pass in a flash, all we can do is appreciate them. I believe that bedtime reading can go on for a long time, even when they can read, it's a time of bonding and calming together.

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  7. I totally hear you but you know with each age comes something better I think (well for me anyway).

    On Sunday when Cameron made the final, his eyes met mine from his spot with his team and he smiled the biggest smile ever - I had tears. The bond never goes away - it just changes.

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  8. I can go on where Laura left off...it gets deeper as each year goes by. These are the moments that you don't want to just be forgotten. The moments to capture and cherish xx

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  9. So sweet. I am hoping for a reader and it looks like he likes books.
    It is great that A can understand that hugs and forgiveness are important.

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    1. I wish she can understand that it is useless getting upset about nothing but I guess it's part of the phase.

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  10. Great post! It passes all too quickly, but I also love ALL the stages!

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