Independence

Independence is a big deal in our house these days. It seems like EVERYONE is pushing the envelope to experience just a bit more of it than they have right now. That makes for a certain level of tension and conflict that we are immersed in at the time.

It starts with T-Time, who, at 16 and a half, is stuck in that awkward not a kid, not quite grown place. He is totally capable of entertaining himself for an hour or more playing make believe with his brothers and sister, and then turning around and staying up til 1:00am talking on the phone with his friends and wanting to "just be left ALONE!!!" Sometimes he wants the privilege with none of the consequence or work. Don't we ALL??!!??! I feel we are coming into that "Oh, so that's how it works!" kind of times, which can be such a eye-opening dose of reality. It's a tough, in-between, figuring it all out kind of time that is exciting, but difficult in its own way. We are right there!

Benjamin Blue is the next one in line. At 5 and an half, life is full of challenges and things he can and cannot do. He is VERY much the rule follower, likes to know what is going on when child and is uncomfortable with change, for the most part. When I told him yesterday he needs to keep working on learning how to tie and zip his OWN clothes, he was very unhappy, again. We have had this conversation before, but we have to revisit the difficult changes over and over again. While it is gratifying to see him when he finally takes that next step, the process to getting there can be exhausting!

Mayhem is next. For all his VERY advanced verbal and physical skills, he IS three. And my challenging child. And ALWAYS wants to do what the older boys are doing. He is always pushing ALL the limits in his life, testing boundaries and guidelines, and, while I know that is just the way he is made and will serve him well later in life, it can really be a long day when he is in one of those moods. And they happen. A LOT!

And the Princess. Little Sass. I always imagined I would have a sweet, cuddly, calm and quiet little girl. Well, she IS sweet and cuddly, but so NOT calm and quiet!! Goodness! She is a riot!! At 20 months, she already has a GREAT sense of humor! She yells "Hell-O, Hell-O" at the TOP of her lungs, and then when you finally acknowledge her (for the 400th time that hour!) she smiles and says "HI!!" Over and over. She carries two baby dolls at a time around the house, gets right in front of you, sighs, and says "Heabby" (heavy.) She wants to climb every chair, bed, table and couch we own; throw every toy; and push the boys around when they won't let her play. The "safety" gate we bought to keep her safe in her room at night was a joke, and is now a "privacy" gate for the boys to have a place to build Legos without the wrath of baby breaking each creation! She HATES the stroller, tolerates the car seat, and is content in her sling, but only for so long, and when she's done, you'll know it! She is ALL about "MINE" and "ME" and "HAVE". It's all about independence!

So if you see me and I seem a bit tense, and a bit protective of the hour or two I have by myself that day, please understand, it's all about being in control of what I want at that moment in time, and a bit of independence. It happens, but not nearly as often as I might want and need, but just enough to recharge my battery and fill my tank to get ready for the next go-round on the merry-go-round of this life we are living!