Sadly, it's been five months since my first and only blog post. I had fully intended to write something at least monthly, if not more. But here we are almost half a year later and I'm finally getting around to post number two! Much has happened in our little nest in the past few months. Michael and I have become more comfortable in our role as "empty nesters" and we have enjoyed the transition from full-time parents to part-time parents and part-time grandparents. That's not to say that we aren't always going to be our children's greatest supporters and loudest cheerleaders. We are! It's just a different kind of parenting with a more subtle approach.
Here's an example: Two weeks ago we helped pack, load, and move Todd and Christine into their first real home. They had spent the summer in Alaska working and had been there since right after they got married. They rented a room from another couple and shared their kitchen and bathroom. Not the best environment for staring your own nest! After four months of crazy and wonderful adventures, and a lot of long hours and hard work, they finally had a home of their own. Every other time we had moved one of our kids to Rexburg we spent all day helping them unpack and get settled. We went to the grocery store and loaded up their cupboards and refrigerator. We loved helping them get ready to tackle another semester of college and it was our way of gently pushing them out of the nest. Who knows, maybe they just tolerated this routine and actually wished we would just let them be. They were always gracious and acted like they wanted us there. This time, Todd and Christine didn't need us. That's not to say they didn't want us, they just didn't need us. I felt it as soon as the trailer was unloaded. This was their nest and they were nesting!! We quickly said goodbye and left them to it. There was no sadness, just a lot of joy and happiness that they had each other and that they were excited and anxious to make this little bit of space their home.
Another event that took place during the past little while was the birth of our sixth grandchild, Haakon. What a little bundle of joy!! Our little Squawkin' Haakon! He was born on June 1st and is truly a wonderful addition to our family. When we went to the hospital to meet him, I was so filled with joy walking into that room and feeling like I was walking straight into heaven. Seeing our sweet daughter-in-law just glowing and looking so beautiful and watching Coren and Risa act like they had known their little brother for ages already was very tender. The thing that caught me offguard was watching our son, Chad. I remember seeing him with Coren for the first time and recognizing the look on his face because it was the same look that Michael had on his face when Ciara was born almost 30 years ago - "Am I really a Dad? Is this for real? What do I do now?" This time Chad looked so calm and so sure of himself. I was overwhelmed that my son was a Dad!!! I know, it's his third child, but it hit me differently this time for some reason. This is nothing like seeing your children become parents and there's nothing to prepare you each time you add another precious little one to your nest. That's what I mean when I say that your nest is never empty. And your heart just grows bigger and bigger and bigger with enough room for all the little birdies that fill your nest. And you know that there will be more to come and that your heart will continue to grow right along with the numbers. It's miraculous, really!!
In about an hour my baby girl, Summer will celebrate her 21st birthday. Happy Birthday, Summy!! How is that possible? She is so special and my arms ache to hold her close. Listening to her stories about her work as a nurse in labor and delivery just boggle my mind. I have to see her in it - actually SEE her doing it. It's hard to picture. Her life with Christopher is full and happy and we are blessed to know that he is keeping her safe and making her life so wonderful. Thank you, Chris!!
And then there's our firstborn, Ciara. She is turning 30 in two days. She is scared out of her mind. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I didn't feel that way when I turned 30. I felt that way when they wheeled me to the front door of the hospital and let us get in a car and drive away without any instructions or advise on what to do when we got home. But that fear soon left and we began our journey as parents. What a ride it has been. Ciara, you are a capable and strong woman who has made us more proud than there are words to express. You and Brandon make quite a team!! We love you like the dickens!!!
So, here we are back where we started, just the two of us. Michael is the glue that holds us all together and the love of my life. Our family would be nothing without him. My life would be nothing without him. We are blessed......and we are grateful!!
