On a chilly December morning

[kellyrfineman]

My house is full again, now that both girls are home for the holiday break. Maggie arrived here on Saturday, and we picked Sara up at the airport last night. The girls won't stay here all the time, of course, but just now, they are here, and I find myself with a mix of thoughts that don't all fit comfortably together. For instance, I am enjoying

Comments

[ext_2324868]

You aren't alone. This past year, I've been finding myself surprised at myself, looking forward to the days of the empty nest when Iain and Josie are ready to spread their wings and be their own people. I think some of us have an easier time embracing changes than others do. It doesn't mean we love our kids less, just that when the natural changes come to a family, we are a little more ready to let go. And that's easier for the kids as they grow.

[kellyrfineman]

Thanks, Amy. I have to say that I like your take on it. And I agree - I feel like I love my kids plenty. I'm very happy to watch them fledge and fly, though. As someone once said, if you've parented properly, you end up raising independent adults who don't really need you anymore. If that's true, I guess I've parented well, or at least well enough!

[kellyrfineman]

I love the quiet. Didn't realize how much until it was taken away. In fact, it's one of the things I love about my sweetheart -- how he's happy with quiet. And he's not a loud person, either - he speaks at normal decibel levels and has been known to startle me at various times and places because I didn't hear him coming. (Ninja skills!) It works really, really well for me!

And I agree with you - my folks moved when I was in college, and the new house never really felt like home, nor did any of their other houses after that. They were/are all "my parents' house", and not home. I moved so many times as a kid that I got used to it, even though I disliked it. I'm sure my kids will get over it, too, but worry that it might be tougher on them than they think.