Transitions

Our summer vacation began with a lot of declarations from Ian that "There is nothing fun to do."

My response: "Did you sleep in a tent last night? Was it fun to have pancakes dripping with syrup for breakfast? Are your grandparents taking you to the ice-cream parlor right after lunch? Is Daddy taking you to a movie tomorrow? Do you have a basement full of toys? A big backyard? A bike and a scooter? A house full of siblings? If there is nothing fun about all of those things, I'm sorry, I can't help you."

To which Ian would respond: "Yeah, but, I'd like to go to Disneyland or Lagoon or Classic Fun Center."

And, this would lead us to repeated conversations about how life isn't just about having fun all the time and those things are too expensive to do every day.

Ian's response: "Summer vacation isn't suppose to be just about working."

My response: Inside my head, "Ummm, yes it is."

I didn't actually say it in so few of words, instead it came out something like, "Do you like living in a house? And, having a bedroom? And, a kitchen where you can make food? Because if you want to live in a tent, it will really cut down on the housekeeping. But, if you want to live in a house, you're going to have to help out."

And, finally, yesterday, the kids woke up, ate their breakfast, and settled into reading a pile of books in the middle of the living room floor. When they were done with that, all three headed to the cave and started playing a make-believe game. And, I thought to myself, "At last we have transitioned from the fast paced life of school to the lazy days of summer."

At one point, I held my new baby on my lap and she stared deep into my soul with her penetrating eyes. Ian practiced his songs on the piano. Sophie enthusiastically read to Isaac. My heart filled to the brim with joy. Then, my angelic baby sighed and closed her eyes while I rubbed her little swaddled up body, and I looked at her sleeping figure and thought, "The past nine-months were definitely worth it!"

Today, I resumed watching my friend's three kids. Katie's birth worked out perfectly. She was born on the weekend, just before Paula got back from D.C. Paula was able to keep Heidi's kids for a couple of days the following week, and then Heidi's family headed off to Texas for a week. So, I had a nice little break. Thank you baby Katie for being so accommodating to everyone's schedules.

Today, the summer babysitting transition began. My kids missed their friends SO much while they were in Texas. And, all day yesterday (as they do every day we don't babysit), they begged to invite their friends over to play. "You will see them tomorrow," I assured them.

How long did it take before two children were in tears and the other four were arguing? Exactly 30 minutes I tell you. This is why I am always perplexed as to why they can't stand to be apart.

After two hours of me playing the mediator (and, handing out a few chocolate chip cookies), they have now retired to the backyard for a treasure hunt. Could it be that the transition has already been made? Well, I'm not holding my breath. But, I'm grateful for the break nonetheless.

Seven kids for the summer!!! Phew! I think we are in for some adventures.