We Can't Make Time Stand Still, Can We?

For the moms out there, have you ever thought, "wow, how did we get here?" To this age, so quickly. That's where I was about 10 days ago as we walked up to Josh's middle school for his 6th grade open house. 

Wow, how did we get here already? My palms were sweaty. I was anxious and impatient, which anyone who knows me will tell you happens when I'm nervous and panicked. For us, this is the big time. He's our oldest and this is all new. Terribly new. 

Fast-forward to today. Josh just completed his first full week of middle school and is now a seasoned pro; we are all adjusting pretty well, I think.

And now that we're here, we're enjoying this part of it all. The part where he can enjoy this new, more grown-up version of school. There are no extra doctor appointments and there's (at least temporarily) no worry. Don't worry, that will come again before we know it. But right now, it's so nice. So normal.

We love that he has good friends, including one down the street to ride bikes with. Baseball is starting up again and, after a brief respite from All-Star season, he's hitting the cages again. He's even now talking on the phone and texting with friends. When did this happen? Josh is growing up ... and fast. 

Not unlike the other boys his age, I feel like he's literally growing before my eyes. Some have told me that I won't recognize him in 4-6 months; that the changes will be amazing and quick. 

I hope it doesn't happen too quickly though. I'm really starting to enjoy this season - no CHD stress; only homework, juggling schedules and, honestly, a great relationship with a great kid. 

I realize that I don't say that enough: plain and simple, Josh is a great kid. And he's mine. I love that he texts me to tell me the little things. It makes my heart overflow to know that despite some of his preteen angst, we're still just as important to him as he is to us. 

In these moments, I think back to close to 11 years ago when we didn't know if we'd have these points in time. And so, despite the panic and worry about middle school, I am excited. I am choosing not to worry about what lies ahead for his heart. 

Instead, I want to live in the present. I can't wait to see what comes with it: the challenges, the hormones (yes, we know they're coming!) and the precious moments, because in a flash, they'll be gone. 

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