Now that we’re in the trenches with teenagers, I fondly remember way back when I instituted the rule at our house: NO GROWING UP!
Of course, this was met with resistance as the kids gleefully retorted, “YES to growing up!”
I fondly remember when Hadley and Bode were both at the stage where I wished I could bottle them up and keep them that way forever. We were finally past the sometimes-tedious baby stage and they were both reasonably independent. They were delighted by the most simple things and the world was magical to them.
At 2 1/2 years old, Bode had yet to take The Descent Into Hell That Was the Terrible 3s and Hadley (who would be turning 5 in May) had blossomed into a story-telling machine. She would spend hours writing “books” and often took that long to relay her detailed stories and pictures to us. Her imagination and ability to entertain reminded me of someone I knew a long time ago.
Thankfully, she didn’t turn into a geek who frustrated her teachers when she submitted stories that were several pages over the allotted limit.
Though perhaps “geek” is a strong word. I preferred “ambitious.”
One day, Jamie and I took the kids on a hike. Haddie was already an intrepid hiker and could go for a few miles while I carried Bode in the backpack. This time, we decided to let Bode walk until he got tired. Only he didn’t wear out. In fact, he practically sprinted more than 1,000 vertical feet up the mountain. Jamie and I kept looking at each other in puzzlement and only assisted by holding his hand during the steep parts.
It was one of those sobering and exhilarating days when you are reminded you can’t keep them young forever.
Then again, maybe that’s a good thing. Hauling his 30 pounds up the mountain was getting a bit old.
Or maybe I am.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
