6/52 {changing landscape}

Over the past month, the landscape of our family has shifted more noticeably. Our babies are growing up.

Nicholas moved from a cot into a ‘big boy bed’ just after Christmas, and more boxes of baby paraphernalia were packaged up and shared with the newest baby in our tribe. The shift into a bed was relatively pain-free for all of us, thankfully, although some mornings we hear “hello” through the door a little earlier than desirable and he often naps on the carpet beside the door during the day. But, you know, while it’s definitely more convenient having Nicholas contained in a cot (and not having to clean up the tornado after he plays with every last toy until he falls sleep!) I do love watching his surge in independence, knowing that he is now the master of his own bedroom.

Our baby started walking. He is in that in-between stage where he will still crawl if he feels like it’s a safer or faster mode of transport, but it’s lovely to see those little legs getting stronger and more confident each day. I still watch in awe.

As of last Friday, Nicholas now goes to daycare one day per week at the same centre the big boys went to. While I put his name down on the waiting list some time ago, in all honesty, I never actually intended to enrol him. But when I was contacted by the daycare centre about an available place, I realised it was me who wasn’t ready. I knew in my heart that my little social butterfly would love spending the day playing with other children and learning through their interactions.

Charlie started Prep, and we now have two boys at school. Charlie is so different to Sam and I did have moments of worrying whether he was truly ready, but I have to say that so far I am impressed with how well he has taken being a ‘big school boy’ in his stride. Oh sure, we’re still working on independence and some mornings he’d much prefer to play ninja turtles than get off to school, but we’re only in week three. Charlie has a beautiful teacher who I am sure will nurture his creative spirit beautifully and gently keep him in line.

My biggest boy was very ready for the move into Grade One. Sam was looking forward to finally being able to wear navy socks, rather than light blue Prep socks, but not so keen on the idea of the “heaps” of homework he had heard Grade One had in store. He has lost even more teeth and more are growing in the spaces, and he can tie his own shoelaces now. With his beautiful teacher to guide the way, I can’t wait to see all he achieves this year.

And, I, too have been venturing out of my comfort zone and have just returned to work alongside my beloved husband and the fabulous team at Grassroots IT. While my brain felt slightly weary after day one, I am looking forward to sinking my teeth into some projects and hopefully adding even more value to our business in 2015.

I remember when Sam was teeny and I somehow didn’t want him to get any older than 12 weeks because then I wouldn’t have a ‘newborn’ anymore. But, of course, he did keep growing and changing and I delighted in each new phase, new milestone, new development that I had the honour of witnessing as his mother.

I could dwell on the fact that my babies are growing up, and there is something very special about their ‘littleness’ which I will continue to cherish every day, but I know that there is also so much good yet to come.

Here’s to changing landscapes and new beginnings.

“And suddenly you just know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” ~ Meister Eckhart

charlie: So handsome with your new haircut and in your school uniform. I can hardly believe that you are a big school boy when it feels like just a moment ago I brought home my snuggly second baby. I am so proud of you and the beautiful boy you are growing into.

nicholas: No longer a baby, you left the safety of my arms this week and, with backpack on, ventured into new territory at daycare. I know you will love playing with all the kids and learning new things. I’m sure that some lessons, like not spending all day turning on taps in the bathroom, may come harder than others. I hope that by getting to know you, the children, parents and carers you meet at daycare also learn a few things – just as I have over the past three years.

Joining in the 52 Project at Practising Simplicity ~ a portrait of my boys every week in 2015.