Monday 11 July 2016

The growing up thing

Gosh yes, I know I have been quiet - it's just busy at work and I try to squeeze off some time to spend with the kids during the school holidays. But I do have lots to write about .

I think a lot of you are aware that I love the stage our kids are in now. Make no mistake - every phase has its beauty and wonder - but I do find this stage where their independence grows so very rewarding. To see them on Saturday morning on the horses - how well they ride and how much confidence they show - Mr L had my heart singing - leading his class on his own with such great posture.

 Another step ahead was that Hunter taught all 3 kids how to row on their own while we were on holiday. Last time we rowed they were tiny little people and Hunter rowed us all in  a boat. Now they are 3 rowers - each in their own kayak - rowing strongly, balancing and steering well. Amazing their mom!
There are however always moments that we feel they grow up way too fast - moments where you think that this can not possibly be your child that is this big? Cue in a moment at Sanlameer when A and her friend came running out of the sea in their bikinis - not looking like the two 11 year olds they are but rather two excited teenagers chatting away. That my friends was way too fast. Thank goodness that later that evening they played pretend games with their younger siblings with as much gusto as ever. It's that odd in between phase I guess - to be appreciated on it's own too.

Some moments however are just perfect - on Saturday A and I tackled her room and donated much of what was little girl in it. All the baby dolls went, carry cots, camping cot, their accessories etc. Other little dolls, animals and some soft toys. Tea sets and pretend food. She kept her Barbies - up in her cupboard, and her two Lalaloopsies, my old Cabbage patch kids and her two Trashcan kidz and of course her Lego - and some other little odds like her little ponies, Zoobles en Little Pet shops. I am sure in the near future some of that will go to - but not too soon. Just a few shelves full - to make space for books. I love that she decluttered with such joy and happiness - I guess we should have done it long ago but for her the timing was right -  there was no sadness about it. Just joy at the thought that other little girls will love it and that she is making a better space in her room for herself. It also made me very happy to get rid of 5 black bags of stuff. We were exhausted after 4 hours of going through almost everything in that room but it is so rewarding.
So tell me about the phases your kids are in - are you enjoying it? Or did you enjoy the younger ones more?

9 comments:

  1. My daughter is 5 and I have just had the same feeling of panic at the thought that she is growing up so fast. We are now having to replace her bike as she has outgrown it and it's just so sad :( I love her little girl voice and her tiny fingers and little nose and wish this phase could last so much longer! #momproblems

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    1. I have to be honest that I did enjoy those little girl things at the time.

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  2. Enjoy them growing up! I get what you are saying about them being more open to giving things away when they are older. This weekend we also sold/ donated all the big baby things like cots, prams etc and my younger son was very sad about it even though he doesn't use any of it any more, whereas my daughter gets joy out of giving her old things to someone who is better able to use them.

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    1. I also think personalities differ in terms of getting rid of stuff

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  3. They do grow up so fast. I think that's one of the best things about being an older Mum for me. I realised with the older 2 how fast time flies and have been so aware of the swift passage of time with the younger 2. I cherish every moment so much more than I did first time around

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  4. I also love ALL the phases! I am sad about the cute they were, but the personalities coming through are so interesting!

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  5. What I enjoy most about Nicola's age now is the conversations and seeing how she understands the world. It's just amazing.

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  6. I'm glad you had such a good holiday. I think there are pros and cons of every stage but honestly I long for the independence, esp those hours trying to get them to sleep! I need to de clutter too. I just need time.
    Thanks for the kind comments on my blog.

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  7. I love things about every phase but language is my thing and I LOVED two. When their language explodes and they learn new words daily. Funso's K is at that phase now and she sends me videos and I'm loving it!

    What I am LOVING about this phase is they talk in my love languages so beautifully - I get notes on my pillow and "ooh, mummy, that looks nice (if I "decorate" a room or corner) and helpful little boys working next to me and spending time with me. The other night Connor was still up when I got home from Spanish and he says, "oh hi Mummy, can we chat? So how was Spanish tonight?" HELLO! I adore it!!!!

    xxx

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So what's on your mind?