The best years

Just lately, I've started to get a bit nostalgic about the last 4 years.

It was November 2005 that I stopped work in the Hydrodog business that Duane & I had, and was waiting excitedly for our little girl to arrive. Well that little blessing came on the 27th November, she made me a Mother and for the last 4 years I have been a stay at home Mum with the both kids.

I think about the last 4 years, and I can honestly say that it has been the most enjoyable of my life. Have I cherished every moment? Well, yes I think I have - but not the crappy ones. I wanted them to be over and done with quick smart, but I think I have made the absolute most of my time with the kids. I do feel very lucky that I have been able to stay at home this long, it has been tough at times financially, but Duane & I both agreed that it was far more important for me to be at home than getting ahead financially. We've managed fine, it's just we haven't been able to save much and it's meant we have had to be extra frugal. Definitely worth it though.

As I fill out University applications for next year and think about childcare arrangements, I have realised how much I am going to miss being with the kids all the time and I am scared that this time has slipped by too quickly and I'll never get it again. My dream was to create a happy, magical and fun childhood for them. Have I achieved that? I hope I have.

I love our lazy mornings, waking and chatting in my bed for an hour or so - will that still happen next year? Or will I be off and out the door before the kids even open their eyes? I treasure our lazy morning breakfasts together and getting ready for what the day brings. Every day we have something on, and I really enjoy all of them. Monday is whatever day, usually a visit to the park, housework and maybe a play date. Tuesday is my Grace free day, so X and I usually head to the op-shops, do groceries or go visiting. Wednesday is Mothers group. Thursday morning is playgroup and afternoon is the Silkwood playgroup. Friday is my other Mothers group which usually goes all day. Our days are easy and relaxed.

We get to have Pj's days if we want or spend the whole day doing whatever we want. There is a lovely balance between schedule and spontaneity.

I have enjoyed being an at home Mum so much and I can't imagine life getting better. I really believe that I will look back on these years as the best of my life, and soon they are going to end.

Next year is going to be a juggling act between studying, working and parenting and I'm hoping that I can keep all 3 balls in the air.