Season Closing

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On the weekend Abbie (my 2 1/2 year old) went into a bed. Two weeks earlier I enrolled her in preschool for 2010. Two little events that have made me feel sad.

You might be surprised to discover that the end of the season of small children has been a period of some grief for me. Surprisingly, since, eleven years and five babies later, it has been quite a season! And there are many aspects of the next season that I find exciting and I'm looking forward to.

However, I always thought I would get to a point where I felt completely sure that I had enough of the whole pregnancy/baby deal. But I haven't.

I used to think I was weird but over the years other women have quietly admitted to me that they wouldn't mind having another baby or they feel sad that the stage is ending. If you are at the beginning of this stage or have a small baby you will think we are all mad! And I have plenty of friends who felt they had definitely "finished". But I don't think I'm completely alone.

It could be the length of time that I've been doing the small child 'thing'. It's like a job that I've got better at over the years and now I'm used to it. I think I lack confidence that I will find something else to do with such a high level of personal satisfaction. What lies ahead for me? How do I negotiate my way through this next stage of life?

However, as I am continually reminded by my husband, "Jenny, we still have to work out how to bring up the kids we already have". Still plenty to do - (as any mum of teenagers quickly likes to remind me).

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.
My times are in your hands'
(Psalm 31:14,15)



Comments

Katie said…
You are right, when I read that you are not over the baby stage, I was like, are you crazy! ....but, I think I know where you are coming from Jenny. Much as I feel I am so busy with three kids, I do love my babies. I think I will also feel sad when Caleb turns 2ish. Best wishes for this next season. "I like my bed!"
August 5, 2009 at 11:30 AM
michael and karen said…
I totally understand Jenny - our youngest has just turned 3, started preschool and gone onto the bottom bunk - I'm sad about it too!
August 5, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Peter Sholl said…
I think on the whole I'm pretty good with change (I've had quite a bit of practice lately), but the change of season of my children is one that I've always wanted to slow down. I want to put a brick on their head to stop them growing. But I've learnt to accept that there are delights in every stage, and I just want to make the most of each one while it's here. I agree with your sentiments exactly.

Sarah
August 15, 2009 at 12:04 PM
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