As much as I love working with babies, I've developed a bit of a soft spot for the "big kids" lately. I had a wonderful time getting to know this family of three over the weekend. We spent time at their home and then walked to the park that they have been visiting as a family since their daughter was just a toddler. She's all grown up now but they enjoy the park just the same.
Last night was Tyra's prom (she's the daughter of our neighbour's who live one house over). It worked out perfectly that I was able to take a few shots of her and her boyfriend Tom just minutes before they left. Kyle and I are lucky that we unknowingly moved onto a street with so many wonderful families, and we have become good friends with many of our neighbours. It gives me such peace of mind to know that there are people nearby who genuinely care about us. We babysit and cat-sit for one another, we take out trash bins, water and mow lawns, borrow and lend eggs (and garlic, honey, sugar, flour, black beans, wasabi, tomato paste, mayo…), and there always seems to be someone to pour a glass of wine or offer up a cold beer. Some of the families are "young families" like us, with preschoolers, toddlers and babies, while others are more "seasoned" with teenagers living in the house. It's always nice to hear the advice from those neighbours on raising kids as they have already been through all the things we are facing now. And the milestones seem to just keep getting bigger and bigger.
So while I prepare to send Robin off to Kindergarten this fall, Tyra's parents prepare to send her off to university. It's hard to imagine what that must feel like but I can only guess that it's a strange combination of pride, happiness and extreme heartache all mixed into one.
P.S. I also have to say that I really, really enjoyed taking photos of these two before they headed to prom.
Last Friday, I posted photos of my awesome three pre-teen neighbours (if you missed it, you can check it out here). When we went to the park to do the shoot, their friend Ava came along. Ava was super helpful throughout the shoot, carrying bags and making the girls laugh. She was also a natural in front of the camera.
Just in time for Mother's Day! Normally when I think about "mothering" my mind would wander to thoughts of spit-up and endless laundry, hours spent in the rocking chair in the middle of the night, the endless diaper changes (also known as wrestling matches in our house), heaving the stroller in and out of the trunk, cleaning every meal off of the floor... the list goes on. Because my own daughter is just 19 months, and most of our friends have young children, generally I can't think of life past age 6. But it's there waiting for us – life with kids, not babies. I spent an awesome evening last week with my neighbours (who also are 3 of the finest babysitters I know!), and it got me to thinking about life with kids. Kids who go to school everyday and bring home not only math homework, but their successes, challenges and fears. Kids who are in activities every night of the week (with parents who joke about being chauffeurs). Kids who fight with their siblings and argue over who gets to use the bathroom first. Kids who have sleepovers and stay up until 3 in the morning giggling and squealing. Kids who take up hobbies like skateboarding, and risk breaking their ankles and wrists several hours a day. Kids who play loud instruments like the violin and drums, and practice every night in the basement. Kids with heartbreaks like not making the team, failing a test, or losing a friend. Kids with triumphs like scoring a goal, achieving an A+, or getting the lead in the school play. Kids who ask questions, like: "Why isn't there enough food in the world for everyone?", "Why don't the other kids like me?", "How do you solve quadratic equations?".
Our roles as moms certainly change as our babies grow. All that said, I can only imagine how much more exciting life is as your kids get older. If I'm proud watching Robin learn how to use a fork, I can't even begin to think of how proud I'll be on her first day of school, or when she makes a team, or wins an award.
But back to my neighbours! Three fine ladies who I have gotten to know quite well over the last year. We spent a great evening together and what a fun change it was for me to work with some pre-teens! These girls are well-spoken, responsible, caring and always have something interesting to say. I love hearing about their activities and friends. And although they bicker (as sisters do), it's obvious that they care about each other and share an amazing bond. Their mom must be doing something right :-)
Happy Mother's Day weekend!