Seven

Sunday marked Henry's seventh birthday. I'm not sure why this particular birthday hit me so hard, but it did. I had the sudden realization that time is not standing still and that my first born is turning into a big kid. I caught a glimpse of this change as Henry sat at the kitchen table this morning building a new Lego set. He worked on his set for a full hour, completely silent and finished the first booklet of instructions. Henry didn't freak out from frustration or ask me for any help. While I appreciate his independence, it was hard for me to not intervene or attempt to help him as I am so accustomed to doing. Henry is growing up and I'm going to have to learn to grant him the independence he wants and deserves. Eventually. 

Henry decided that he wanted to celebrate his birthday in Iowa with his family rather than having a friend party. So, last weekend we packed up and drove to Bettendorf to spend time with Henry's grandparents, aunts and uncles, and his cousins. He is a bit obsessed with Star Wars so I came up with a few decorations to make the Saturday family celebration special.

I don't know much about Star Wars, but I made sure to play along- that's a picture of Han Solo in carbonite (jello). I love Henry's intense interest of Star Wars, but even more, I appreciate how much aunt Sara, uncle Alex, aunt MIndy, uncle Chris, uncle Alex, Missy, Poppie and Loulie, Caroline, Maddie, Natalie, Colin, and Jack did that evening to make Henry feel loved and special. From the cake that was ordered to allowing him to watch Star Wars in the theater room, Henry was treated with so much love and care. 

I'm not sure how I'm going to survive my children growing older. I wasn't even sure I was going to survive motherhood when I became one seven years ago. But, as with all things, we learn to adjust and roll with the changes. Not because we want to, but because we have to for our own well being. Sometimes it's hard to watch as life changes, but it's also pretty amazing because it means that we are moving forward, learning, adjusting, and making the most out of the gifts we've been given.