I don’t know about you, but I always seem to get a little melancholy and reflective around the boys birthdays. I adore my children (most of the time) and love being a parent and am super proud of both of my boys, however, birthdays seems to grab me and give me a shake.
Parenting is a funny thing. The years fly by, but sometimes the days really do drag, especially if the boys have been misbehaving! So when a significant date comes around I am left wondering where the time has gone. Maxi turned 12 this week and I love seeing the man he is turning into, but I am missing the child that he was. As a friend said we both mourn and celebrate every milestone.
This last year has seen some major changes for Maxi and he really has matured, cut off his curls, moving from Junior school to Senior school, travelling to and from school on a bus on his own and becoming more responsible. However, he also still loves cuddles, spending time with his family and worships Alvin the family dog.
I guess that this time of year is filled with so many dates for us. 2 days after Maxi’s birthday is our wedding anniversary (22 years this year – yes I was a child bride) and then you have Mother’s Day. So I have just been feeling rather reflective. it has really made me realise that we don;t have all that much time left as a family of four!
So we have been trying to get out each weekend and do something as a family (in addition to maxi’s football games and Mini and MadDad going to the Boro Game every other week).
We went to Beamish last weekend and loved it. It is brilliant for kids of all ages and being an open air museum means the boys can have a good run around.
We had fish and chips cooked in a coal fired fryer. We went down the drift mine. Spent time in the bank learning about old money and got some sweets from the sweet shop.
So I am going to make the most of being a mum and we are going to get out and about. The only problem is we need some ideas for places to visit with two surely tweens within an hour or so of Middlesbrough! Come and share your ideas and also let me know if you get all reflective on birthday too.
If you are wondering about the lovely coats, they were gifted to us by Blacks and are Berghaus Kids. Both of the boys are funny with coats but adore these. They have a wonderful finish and are practical and stylish. They have fabric at the top of the zips to stop them rubbing and are soft, warm and waterproof too.
Mini’s padded jacket is lightweight and comfortable but doesn’t add bulk like some puffer style jackets. Maxi’s parker style coat has removable fur on the hood making is great for kids like him that hate anything touching their face, but the inside of the hood is soft and fury. to see the coat with the hood on head over to Northern Mum.
A belated happy birthday to Maxi! And happy anniversary to you. I’m just the same with birthdays, I get all reflective and can’t believe that they have grown another year older x
Happy birthday Maxi! What a fine young man he’s growing into.
I know exactly what you mean, Ruby turned 9 last week and it hit me like a tonne of bricks that she’s halfway to adulthood already and I’ve had half my time with her already 🙁
Happy Birthday!
I can so relate. My eldest turns 11 in 3 months and she starts secondary school in September! Time does indeed fly!
Wow, a big milestone birthday and happy wedding anniversary too. A busy week for you so well done for making time to do things together as a family and trying to enjoy those special moments – I think that’s all we can do. And you’re so right about time flying but also dragging.
Happy Birthday Max
I know how you feel as J is now 18 and off to university this year
I was told they’re always your child no matter how old they are
Those coats look good and warm for getting out and about – it is still a bit nippy some days. This month we are celebrating and mourning H’s 10th birthday – double figures seems a bit of a milestone.
What handsome boys they are. They are a real credit to you both. I can’t believe how much they have grown since I last saw them. You are right it is hard to see them grow and leave behind the little kid fun, but lovely to embrace the big kid fun too xx
I feel exactly the same about birthdays, I always want to be happy about them but I find them just a reminder of time slipping by. Love Berghaus coats.
Awww, lovely post Jen. I am feeling the same as Zak turned 10 today!! It has also made me realise that I need to make the most of the next few years before he starts not wanting to be seen with me!