They Need Their Wings

Yesterday was a particularly emotional day for me. At first I didn't know why and then I realized that I've been so busy getting the kids ready to go back to school that it started to sink in just how fast time is going...

The summer of 2011 has been all about growth in our household, literally.  Isabella turned 10 last month and now all of the sudden she's this little adult.  She's almost too tall for me to do her hair - I have to stand on my tip-toes to put it in a ponytail.  She grew her bangs out and her legs got so long.  Not to mention the fact that she's been having regular sleepovers, she had her first slumber birthday party this year, and learned how to text on her iTouch.  Oh Em Gee, friends ~ my little girl is growing up.

And then there's Ethan...almost eight and looking more like my hubby every day.  He had his first sleepover at his best friend's house at the beginning of the summer and that was so strange for me.  It seemed weird that my little boy was sleeping away from our house and not with a family member {let's just say, he did better than his mom}.  We wrapped up the summer with a sleepover at his school friend's who moved around the corner from us.  Ethan packed his overnight bag himself, put it over his shoulder and rode around the corner on his bike.  I wasn't there to see him leave but I stopped by his friend's house on my way to work in the morning to take him home.  I put his bag in my car and he said "mom, I'll just ride my bike home".  I thought to myself "this feels a little strange" and then I was behind him in my car and I cried as I watched him pedal himself home so fast and so grown up.  The bike ride only took about 40 seconds but it was such a pivotal point in my life as Ethan's mom.  My baby boy is growing up too.

On the same day that this reality kicked me in the butt, our friends and neighbors across the street were taking their youngest child off to college.  Officially empty-nesters starting today.  It was all too real for me - I felt her pain and he wasn't even my child.

I know we're not supposed to hold our children back and I never would.  I'm proud that my children are secure enough in their lives to step out of their comfort zone and be individuals.  I'm proud of the fact that they are growing up and into wonderful little people with larger than life personalities.  I'm proud to be their mom.  I just wish they could stay little just a little bit longer.

Today's quote of the day is super fitting for the way I am feeling.  Ironically my aunt and newbie blogger sent it to me yesterday because she thought I would like it.  She also mentioned that she loves reading the quotes on my blog.  Awww shucks.

I know my children have their roots - they are strong and stable.  Their wings have just developed and now I'm watching them learn to fly.  It may not be easy but I know it's the right thing to do.  They need their wings.

Be strong,