Balance

I remember the days when we actually played outside all day, rode our bikes to the local pool without having to worry about kidnappers. Why is it that we hover over our kids so much? Is it that we're older parents and worry more? Do younger parents worry less? I remember spending summers playing with friends and siblings while our parents were busy working, cooking, cleaning, etc. Or is it just my kids that require a lot of hand holding and time to play with me? I am a very involved mom and do play with my kids a lot... I see this as a good thing... they actually WANT to play with me... right now... HOWEVER, there are those days... those days that I need all to myself, to be completely selfish, well, at least for a good few hours. I think it's important to find time for yourself to be a more balanced, happy person. Doesn't everyone need time for themselves at some point in a day? I know that I do...

2010

The boys are growing up so fast. Sometimes I look at them when they're sleeping and hope they are having a happy childhood. I try not to think about them growing up so fast and going off to college. Alex still needs us to fall asleep... he still gets a little scared, but will try to sleep, with complaints. He goes in and out of his room a dozen times before either Michael or myself gives in and lies down with him. He falls asleep MUCH faster when one of us stays with him. When trying to fall asleep on his own it can take an hour or more. He usually falls asleep around 9:30. Why is it that when Michael or I are in his bed that he is able to relax and fall asleep so much more quickly? I blame it on the co-sleeping idea that was so "in" back in 2000. He's 9 and we're still co-sleeping! I'm trying to relish this time knowing that it won't last forever and that he is still a little boy that needs his mom and dad. Another 8 years and he will hopefully be going off to college... it really is hard to believe that they really do grow up that fast.