Today marks the day I became a mom for the first time. 26 years ago to be exact. And 3 years later, once again with the birth of our second child. WTH? Where did that time go?
The memories of our oldest’s early years are like ghosts caught on a camera, leaving behind little bubbles of moments to treasure, ever so briefly because kids grow up, don’t ya know?
I still remember the day when Rachel first discovered the moon in the sky. We taught her how to spell it, and she repeated “M-O-O-N” all day.
And, the day she muttered “flutter-by” as she chased butterflies in the yard.
And, how she looked around the room the day we brought her baby sister home and she said, “Whobody is going to play with me…?”
They became the best of friends over the years, for that we are grateful.
Rachel has always noticed things, usually first, before anyone else – her perception amazes me. As we took a walk around the pond in Middleton, she was the first to point out things for me to catch on my camera.
I felt the heart tugs of the roles switching before my eyes as I paused to reflect on how proud I am of how they have grown, and that it is kind of fun to have them take the lead while I linger back to play. They’re safe to walk on their own…I’m entertainment to them now, in a different way…
Yet, I smile because they both still remember fondly the simple things like taking a walk together to discover little things in nature.
Rachel’s three years older than her sister Sarah, and today, she’s officially 26 – an adult and adulting is her way of life. A full-time job, a car loan and now she’s kicked off of our insurance plans, ‘cuz that’s what happens when you’re 26. Oy – life throws our kids opportunities to find new building blocks to get through their path of adulting whether we’re all ready for them or not.
Sometimes the path is clear for them, with solid footing, and all we have to do is watch them walk ahead as they pave their own way.
Other times, it looks pretty, but a bit messy. Yet if we remember to pause instead of jumping in we can admire their beauty as they discover how to keep growing despite the obstacles. They’re strong, and they persevere.
As parents, we can help them build the strength to understand, endure, and conquer the obstacles of building a house and life that glitters like their rooms when they were little.
Hopefully, they know how they can always come back to our home base for help or safety if they need it.
Hmm…the more that I think of it, the more excited I am to treasure this new stage in life. I’m so proud of both of them. July is “the birthday month” – as we celebrate in our separate places, I hope they know I’m thinking of them. And I love them to the moon and back, and on every path, we walk together or apart from each other in-between!
xx – love, mom…(Happy Birthday!!! :-))
#31SRW Photography Challenge Day 11: Building (see rules here) and Linda Hills’ One-Liner Wednesday: Like a ghost caught on camera
PS – How about you, how do you handle watching your kids venture into adulting? What is your favorite part of watching them grow? When’s the last time you took a walk together in nature? Did it bring back memories of their childhood?
Such beautiful memories you have! Lovely ladies much like their mom. 😉
Aw, thank you, Winnie! You’re so sweet and supportive, your family is so blessed to have you in their lives (…I am too!)!!
You’re welcome, Shelley! Cheers!
Lovely and meaningful post. My children are 26 and 28. I definitely don’t miss having them on my insurance plan. LOL. Like you, I marvel at the good people they have become, hopefully partially stemming from the home where they grew up. Other times, I’m shocked at ways they have veered off into living their lives in their own ways which are quite different than mine. Accepting they are not my clones and appreciating it is my present journey.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I still have to pay the same premium even though she’s off, and that sucks! Insurance…don’t even get me started LOL! Yes, marvel at their good stuff, and look away at the stuff that makes us wonder what the heck? If they were clones of us, then we couldn’t shine as beacons of light for them in this stage, right? 😉
Wonderful memories and gorgeous shots!😍
Thank you!! 🙂
So very nice! loved to see your daughters pics, wishing them a very Happy Birthday and may they have glittery and bright life!
Wonderful clicks!!
Aw, thank you – your birthday wishes and photo kudos are appreciated!! 😉
Really great memories – thanks for sharing them.
My son’s still 19 and I’m really happy that he still makes so much time for me. He’s my #1 travelling companion and we still go on many adventures together. Our last walk in nature together was not so long ago. On June 27th we were exploring some of the natural areas around New York City. In a couple of weeks or so we’re heading to Vermont for the weekend. (It’s my 30th high school reunion – crazy!)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Todd! It’s a weird time in life, but rewarding nonetheless! Glad to hear you’ve enjoyed traveling and adventures with your son. Have fun in Vermont! 30 years…I missed that one, hope you have fun going to yours! Yes, crazy…we’re not that old to have been out of school 30 years! YIKES! 😉
Beautiful memories. It’s been too long since I walked with my daughter in nature. Hopefully this fall. Thank you for the reminder!
Thank you, JoAnna! Yes, plan a time to walk in nature – it is so refreshing to disconnect and see what’s happening in nature!
Amazing shots! And also it’s so nice to hear that you share so many good memories with your daughters. Wishing them a happy birthday 🎊🎉
Thank you, Jo! We enjoy each other’s company, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful! Will do!
Great post. I share the feelings with you as mine are almost 32, 30 and almost 22. The youngest just graduated from college and is back living with us while she “figures out what to do with her life.” I see her struggling (her degree is in Psychology) because she is not sure where she wants to go from here but because she has handled her own course from the beginning, all I can do is be here to offer help/advice when asked. Your girls are lovely. Great photos too! Sorry I am not playing along as much as I wanted to but you know, life.
Thank you! I appreciate hearing your story as well. Last year my youngest returned home with much the same situation. She’s working on a plan that fits her well, and I’m supporting her goals as much as possible from afar! No worries – life is always pulling us in so many directions! Thanks for playing along when you’re able to!
Such a marvelously written post! Brava and congratulations on her birthday!
—
http://www.areweadultsyet.com
Thank you!!! She appreciates the happy birthday wishes!
Happy Birthday to your girls, Shelley! They are beautiful and it appears that mom and dad did an excellent job with parenting. You are blessed to have two independent sisters who love each other and lead adult live.
The photo of the butterfly is stunning!
They are both beautiful and look like their mom. Happy Birthday to your older daughter, and remind her God danced the day she was born.
Aw, thank you, Margo! I will tell her that and remind her as well :-)!