The Winds Of Change

The winds of change have been subtly moving through our home the past few weeks. It's funny how things like that can creep up on you, isn't it?

We've officially shifted out of the baby-in-the-house stage. There are little signs popping up all over the place that remind me of this. Some of the signs are so subtle that I almost miss them. But this is my attempt to keep that from happening.

Within the next 6 months, all of the kids will be one year older. Kicking off this birthday marathon is Gracie, who turns 2 next week. Somehow, she has figured this out and has gone from my baby to my youngest over the course of a week.

Thankfully, she hasn't given up her daily nap yet, although I'm sure that's not too far behind. However, she now naps in either Alex or Olivia's bed instead of in her crib. Eric and I are starting to look for bunk beds to buy when she's ready (or more accurately, when we're ready) to be done with the crib for good.

And then just the other day, I took a shower in the morning. I'm sure this doesn't seem like any big feat. But it was huge for me. For the past 4 years, I've taken nightly showers, waiting until after all of the kids were asleep. On occasion I would shower in the morning, but only when Eric was home.

Not this time though. I set the kids up with breakfast while Eric was at a meeting and took a shower. By myself. In the morning. Is that freedom or what? It was the oddest feeling.

I liked it and I've decided that's going to be the new status-quo. Night time showers are a thing of the past, as is going to bed with wet hair.

When Isabelle moved from baby to toddler to child, I noticed the passage of time. I just didn't feel its effects in my day to day life. But now, I've had a baby for almost 5 years straight. I kind of feel like I don't know what to do with myself. I'm enjoying the freedom, but I'm sad and a little lost at the same time.