Rooting

Thank you for all of the recent comments. They have been so thoughtful and supportive. And as Aimee said, our boy has moxie and we are proud of that. He's a resilient, funny, and determined guy and the mantra around here has been "it will get better, it will get better, it will get better". And slowly it is. Soccer season has started so that is good thing in our family. Sunday school started up this past weekend and that was also a good thing since we really enjoy the diverse, welcoming synagogue that we have joined. Both of the kids dragged their heels all the way there on Sunday and I have to admit I also felt a little nervous for them as they ventured into a whole new group of kids and teachers. But happily, they both met some new friends and so did we. 

Actually, in many ways this has been one of the easiest moves for me. I almost feel guilty about that when I see how hard it is for my kids. But unlike with previous moves, I already have friends and family in the area. I don't feel that frantic drive to meet new friends as I did with past transitions. We have great neighbors and I have been walking several mornings a week with one of my neighbors. Some of our very favorite friends in the whole, wide world recently moved to the area. I have found a yoga studio within walking distance that I like. I am already involved in several volunteer situations. And I have a long and growing list of things I want to see and do in the area. The hardest part about  growing new roots with this move has been seeing the impact it is having on Noah and Camille. 

Which is exactly why I plan on re-reading one of my favorite parenting books: The Blessings of a Skinned Knee. I need a re-fresher to carry me into this stage of parenting and this time of major transition. When I was bogged down by sleep deprivation and the challenges of baby/toddler hood, I used to jealously watch my friends with older kids and envy their stage of parenting. But now that I am in the midst of raising two school age children, I realize that this stage has its own unique challenges with plenty of skinned knees and bruised hearts.

But with each day that passes, things are getting a bit easier. Friendships with classmates are starting to grow, school is becoming more familiar, and roots are slowly starting to form. Roots are such tender, delicate little things and yet they form a foundation unlike anything else in this world. I feel like we need to hang a little sign by our doorbell: "Be Gentle, Rooting In Process". Along the same lines as "Quiet, Baby is Sleeping", but at this stage in our lives it carries just as much weight and significance as the blessing of sleep did in those early days of our family.