Overnight

Where did my sweet, little baby boys go? It seems like literally, over night, they transformed into inquisitive young kids. In the blink of an eye, they've grown up and this week has already woken me up to the reality that when people tell you "it goes too fast, enjoy them while they're young" they're telling the truth.
Saturday was supposed to be the first baseball practice. Something tragic happened and the league postponed practices and they will likely have their first practice this upcoming weekend. In the meantime, they have gloves, cleats, and a bat. Their first baseball gear. Having been used to buying shoes for my oldest son who wears nearly the same size as me, I forgot how small all of this little t-ball stuff really is. They can't wait. They've watched their older brother go through sports and they've waited YEARS to have a chance to play.
Monday was kindergarten orientation. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in my former elementary school with Skylar (who is now in 7th grade) talking to kindergarten teachers. Only now it was for my baby boys. They happily went off with the teachers for their standard evaluations while I sat in the lobby and listened to the welcome spiel. In only a few short months they'll be hopping up onto the school bus with their big sister and off to school for the day. It will be a welcome change to not have to drive them to preschool twice a week (or pay the tuition) but my boys will be gone from 8-4 5 days a week. I'll be home with only one kid. I don't know what I'll do with myself. haha
And last night was probably what really drove everything home for me. Football registration
They have spent every July-November of their lives, on the sidelines of a football or cheer game and practice. They love the game. They love being there. And they have wanted to play for years. Well, they're finally old enough to play flag football. They got fitted for their jerseys (which, by the way, they didn't automatically just need the smallest size!), picked their numbers, and are all set to play in the fall. But, it wasn't just signing them up that opened my eyes. I'm on the football committee so I had to be there for the whole duration of registration which meant the boys were with me also. They are usually so timid and quiet so I assumed they'd stick right by my side. Boy...I was wrong. They ran through the cafeteria with the other kids until they were sweaty and red in the face. They played with a soccer ball with kids they didn't know, went into the hallway of the school without me. It was like something I had never seen from them. They're ready to spread their wings. I've protected them. You could even say I sheltered them. But they need to be given some room to try to fly. And they'll only get stronger from here. Simple things like me having to buckle their seat belts and helping them zip their jackets are things they do on their own now. Yes, it's what happens. I've got older kids and I know what's to come. They've stopped sleeping in our room and now are excited about getting bunk beds in their room. They already picked who sleeps on which bed.
I still see glimpses of the young, innocent toddlers. Riley is still super affectionate and loves to snuggle but I know that's just the kind of kid he is. Addison rolls his eyes (a lovely trick he learned from his older sister) and talks back. They've moved on from Mickey Mouse and are super hero and transformer obsessed. It's happened gradually but yet, overnight.
And I couldn't be more proud of them! <3 p="">