Today Boy#1 turns 13. Last week marked the beginning of the end of our baby days. Today marks the beginning of our teenage years.
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It was weird and exciting, as we'd been pretty out of touch with each other's lives for our 20's -- saving sporadic contact for weddings and congrats at the safe delivery of babies, etc. I was really glad to have the opportunity to get reacquainted and relieved that, despite the years of radio silence, she was still the same person I remembered. What I didn't anticipate was the connection she'd forge with my kids. My oldest was intrigued by the adult who didn't speak down to him and taught him the basics of chess. My youngest fell head over heels in love, creating detailed stories about what they'd do when he grew up -- always ending in marrying her.
With H moving to Alberta, I was anticipating a bit of fall-out -- not from #1, as he easily rationalized it and decided he could talk to her on the computer or in email -- but from my youngest, for whom going away is still rather mixed up with the "going away" that happened when his Grammie died this winter.
Nothing prepared me for what actually happened. [...]
Read MoreOne more day before the kids are set free for summer. One more day before I actually have to have plans (and, oh, I have plans.. but they're not entirely organized yet). One more day to make sure we have all the phone numbers and contact details to keep the boys in touch with their friends over the summer. One more day. [...]
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