Separate Ways

I LOVE having two boys and love even more them being so close in age. When I was still pregnant and shared that the baby I was carrying was a boy, just about everyone would comment on how they were going to fight and bicker. If I didn't know better, I would say that people almost felt the need to offer me some sort of sympathy. I have never needed it. Yes....they do bicker once in a while, but the good times FAR outweigh that. They are best friends and playmates and I love that they have each other.

Parenting them has been quite easy. Since they are so close in age, they like pretty much the same things. Since they are both boys...clothes and toys have been shared, and interests have been similar. They want to play the same games, watch the same shows, and go the same places. I even teach them together in Bible, History, Geography, and Science and it works quite well for us.

However...I sense that I won't be getting off so easy for long. In many ways, I see them going separate ways. I am beginning to see the age gap seem to grow just a little between them. In our co op, Connor is now considered one of the "big kids" and sometimes they are separated for activities.

This Saturday Brody will attend his first 4-H meeting and he can't wait. We have signed him up with his bunny Dusty and he is so anxious to get involved with anything animal! He is not sure if he wants to play flag football again and says that he just "doesn't like sports." He can't wait to be done with piano and has no interest in learning a different instrument.

Connor is chomping at the bit for flag football to start again and is wanting to play baseball too. I think he would play anything involving a ball. He has wanted for years to play the guitar and is now finishing up his piano books and can't wait to get going with his new instrument of choice.

I see Brody working to search out his identity apart from Connor which is a good thing. I also think Connor is seeking some time to himself and realizes that he is getting older, which is also a good thing.

On the practical side, it will be a little tougher for mom. I am already dreading the day when I have to be two places at once on a Saturday morning. I am already preparing them to support each other in their different activities, even if it means some sitting around for them at a practice or a meeting.

However, my possible inconveniences and calendar concerns are quite trivial and I know that. God has created them different and unique with their own gifts, and talents, and interests. I am truly more excited to see those things develop and grow into who and what GOD wants them to be. I am just honored to be along for the ride.