Growing older

I'm not sure at what point you stop looking at your children as babies and realize they are growing up - or if you ever really do. Maybe it's just denial that keeps them little in your eyes for so long. Well, yesterday I had one of those moments that cut through the denial and made me realize my kids aren't babies any more.
I was putting the babies down for a nap and when I came down the stairs I heard the water running and someone in the kitchen. I came around the corner and found Sam standing at the sink doing the dishes. I asked her why she was doing the dishes and she said "Mom, you work really hard every day and I just wanted to give you a break. I'm cleaning them until they are so shiny that I can see my reflection!" Wow! That was one of those "I must be doing something right" moments! The best part is that she does and says sweet things like that all the time. The other day we were talking and she was telling me about one of the boys in her class who was being mean to her and we were talking about how she could handle it next time and what she could say to him, and she said "I could just tell him that no one is perfect and everyone is beautiful and handsome. It doesn't matter what people look like, but what they are like on the inside, because everyone is special." Ok, that was another proud mom moment. This little girl is just growing up so fast, which makes me sad, but I'm also so excited to watch the person she is becoming. It will definitely be a fun ride!

I even have those reality check moments with Gavin and Kaden as well. The other night, we were reading a story before bed and Gavin wanted me to sit on his bed to read. When Kaden asked if he could sit with us, Gavin told him "Suit yourself." Where did he learn that one? And today while they were all playing the Wii, Sam wasn't playing the way the boys wanted her too, and they both said "Oh, that's great, that's just great!" I really don't think I say that one either, but you never know. Those two little boys crack me up, and every day they are coming up with something new. They will definitely be fun to watch as they get older!

And speaking of growing older....Mike's 33rd birthday was on Saturday. (Yes, that is painful to write, especially since I'm only a few months away myself.) With everything going on, and our crazy life right now, things were pretty simple and the festivities included his parents taking the family out to dinner and he and I going out to a movie that night. No, I didn't plan a party, his parents brought the cake, and he even bought his own gift. I know, I know, I'm a little pathetic, but at least I know he liked his present! Hopefully next year I can make it up to him, and maybe even buy his present for him. :) At least next year he will have 5 munchkins helping him blow out his candles, instead of just 3! Happy Birthday, daddy! We love you!