A Quiet House

Even with my parents here the house is uncharacteristically quiet.

Dadonthebrink is away in Sweden.

That is our weekday norm now and slowly we are getting used to it. We skype as often as we can, though sometimes our timings aren’t synchronised, we are sitting down for a meal, or he is just driving to his accommodation. (He is still struggling to find a place for us all to live when we join him next year.)

Angelina is away on a three day residential trip. Without her, the sibling love triangle is broken, the boys are getting on well, looking after eachother better, as if fearing their brother will leave too.

As we packed yesterday, I fretted whether we’d laid the right foundations for her to be away, take responsibility for washing and dressing on her own. Of course she can shower herself, but will she remember to take all her toiletries with herself? Of course she can choose her clothes and dress herself, but will she chose the right clothes for the crazy weather we’re having?

Yikes! My gorgeous 8 year old is off!

Angelina is going on a 3 day residential trip with school. Last night we laughed and chatted as we packed clothes, bedding and toiletries. I explained the logic behind the different bits that went into the suitcase- house the combine the outdoor gear, the thermals, the layers.

She was so proud to be wheeling my suitcase out and cheered when we packed her daypack: “I’m going to have the best backpack!” … Seems the appreciation for good gear doesn’t wear off even after months of use.

In the meantime, while she’s excited and on cloud9, I’m being the over-protective mother and fretting. I’m sure I was 11 before our first residential at school! When is a good age for kids to test their wings and have a their first overnight school trip? #family #parenting

A photo posted by Monika (@mumonthebrink) on Sep 23, 2015 at 1:13am PDT

I guess this is one of the first of those milestones to her independence. As a mother it frightens me that she is growing up so fast, yet at each point my heart also bursts with pride at how well she scales each obstacle.

I just hope she is ok.

And our household is very much missing Joshy. He is missing from our daily routines.  I especially notice the void in the evenings.  At dinner time: there is no cleaning fairy under the table to clear up the mess my little messy eaters make.  Then as I lock up before going to bed, there isn’t a soft furry head to scratch and wish good night before I check on the children.

Our lives are in a bit of a flux of changes.  With the change of the season these changes are made more poignant.  The sense of loss prevails more than the happy anticipation of adventures to come.   I know this will change and I know what seems like an insurmountable mountain in front of us will end up being a good hike… just need to give it time and have patience, right?