It was a bittersweet day on Wednesday. It was a day that made me realize just how fast kids really do grow up; how big they get, how they just keep growing! Physically and mentally I was ready for the transition, I was looking forward to it. I would constantly say “I can’t wait for that day to come!”
It had become a burden (not that anything we do for our kids is ever really a burden – they are our blessings, flat out, simple as that, even on the bad days – our kids are our miracles). But, we’ve all had those moments when the simple little things just become monotony and dull and (pardon my language) a pain in the bum-bum. Well, I had gotten to that point. I wasn’t going to make it to the day that we had all planned for it to happen on. This had to happen now – tonight!
So, after Will and I were released early from a class, he looked at me and said “Now what?” He knew we had the babysitter until 9:15pm. It was now just barely after 8:00pm.
“We’re going to get a booster seat.”
Bye-bye carseat, hello booster.
I had planned on keeping Brayden in his carseat until Kindergarten (which is also approaching with incredibly increasing speed). Why Kindergarten? He has clearly met the legal guidelines of four-years old and forty pounds. There was no reason why he had to stay in his carseat, other than I believe you should keep your kids buckled up in a five-point harness as long as possible – safety first, and no, I’m not embarrassed to say I’m one of “those” moms. Yes, he had been in a booster seat before in a friend’s car, but never for more than a two minute drive and definitely not before he was legal to be in one.
So what’s the big deal? My little boy is getting BIG! I see it not only in his height – remember, his head is well above the counter top now – but his speech, his thinking, his reasoning (or rather his attempt at reasoning his request with Will and I – A for effort little guy!). He is getting big. Little Snugglebug is almost as big as Big Snugglebug (well, not really, but I feel that way sometimes).
What happened? Where does all this time go? Why does it seriously fly by like a jet plane flying off into the sunset? It’s a beautiful thing, and there are advantages (like actually running an errand or two without having to pack the snack bag full of every possible item, and he can dress himself – shoes and all, when he wants to), but just for once I wish time would stop, even just slow down.
Before I know it the first day of Kindergarten will be here and I’ll walk him into his class, help him find his desk and meet the other kids and parents. Oh don’t get me wrong, I’ll be in class a lot (for him, and for me, and well because we already know the teacher and we love her), but I won’t be tied down. We won’t have our Brayden and Mommy days every Wednesday and Friday anymore.
I’m on a plane to Tucson right now, and maybe that’s part of the sadness I’m feeling. I miss them. I missed them before I even got out the door of Brayden’s preschool. I made Zackery give me a giant hug and a kiss right there on the playground at his school before the bell rang. I love my boys. I love that Zack will still give me a kiss in front of all of his friends.
Brayden’s getting big – moral of the story. He’s in a booster seat now, with arm rests and his very own cup holder too (he’s very excited about that!).
That’s it for me. There’s no challenge, no tip, no try this or do that. Just a simple story of transitioning and growing up.
With Love and Mommy Hugs,
Pamela