Growing Up Fast!

Madeline started school in late August and absolutely loves it! There were tears at the first three drop offs (and not just hers...). As soon as she was out of sight I admit to blubbering as I watched her run into the school room, pigtails bouncing, with her oversize backpack and plush cat lunch box. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, she wakes up excited to brush her hair and teeth, put on her running shoes and help pack a healthy lunch so she can go "play with the kids." The preschool is in our neighborhood, which is wildly convenient; she's home in time for a nice, long nap after a busy morning. Last week, her class had Show-and-Tell, highlighting the letter C. Madeline proudly showed off a picture of Charlie wearing his mini Cubs uniform.

And speaking of Charlie, he's rocking on all fours. Since crawling isn't far off, baby proofing and regular vacuuming (ugh) is back on my To Do list. He's also sitting up, with the occasional face-plant ("Timber!"). And finally, he learned how to put himself to sleep a few weekends ago with minimal tears. Rather than rocking him all the way to sleep, we now lay him in his crib awake and he takes it from there. Last night he slept 13 hours without a peep. We're so proud of him! Or as Madeline would say, "He should be so proud of himself!"

We also had an extra special visit from Rob's mom and grandma. Madeline adores her Grammy and Gigi! They kept her entertained with water balloons, games and lots of stories. We had a fun lunch at a Swedish bakery in downtown Franklin, and they even sent Rob and me on a date. We are eager to see everyone again at Thanksgiving.

It's easy to happily gloss over these highlights with exclamation points and pride. But the truth is, I was an emotional wreck for weeks. Sending Madeline to preschool was a big decision. And letting Charlie cry for the first time as he learned to self-soothe? I think I'd rather be waterboarded just at the thought of it (and in the end, my dread was much worse than the actual process). They're growing up at lightening speed and I know it's going to keep getting faster. I feel like Rip Van Winkle -- one day will I wake up and they'll be grown? Yes. They will. I just have to slow it down by keeping life simple -- by absorbing, inhaling and cherishing every minute. Thank God for daddies (for so many reasons). Rob balances my hyper (hormonal?) sentimentality with a chuckle and a hug. He hands me my car keys at Charlie's first whimper over the monitor. Best of all, he's here to enjoy it all with me, and to remember it affectionately when diapers, lullabies and sweet potato puree are distant memories.