Bittersweet Process

The maturing of a child is a bittersweet processes.  Lately I am realizing that my relationship with Gage is changing.  As he becomes more and more capable, I am no longer required to wait on him, well, as a baby or toddler.  However, I lose the pleasure of spending non-hurried time dressing him or accompanying him to the bathroom.

Losing this time means losing some of the intimacy I now realize that I treasure.  However, I gain time to do other things I want or need to do.  This may include nurturing relationships with my other children.

I am beginning to realize that there are times to say no to Gage to push him to mature and that there are times to say yes to him to maintain our relationship.  I never realized that being a parent was going to be this difficult.

As Courtney and I finished our discussion, I sat up on the counter.  I said, "Someday when one of our boys is 16 he may jump up and sit on the counter like this and have a good talk with you while you are fixing dinner.  Won't that be incredible."  In some ways, I look forward to that day.  In other ways, I hate to lose what we have now.