The Last Month

July has always been my favorite month. Egotistical, since my birthday comes right near the end, but it's true: I look forward to July all year long (except for Christmastime; that supercedes my birthday by a longshot!). But now it's here and rushing past.

It's been fun; filled with weekend jaunts to the beach, outdoor playtime, crafts. New this year: enjoying the chubby stickiness of 7-month old Josh, watching the sunlight shine through his growing blonde fuzz. Seeing Sean learn how to swim while not give up holding his nose, and repeatedly attempt to ride his bike without training wheels down our front lawn.

But August is lurking right around this Friday's corner. August 1st is Sean's sixth birthday. And that signals a coming change: school starts before September.

This is the last month... of summer, of having my two boys home with me full-time, of being mommy with no schedule other than random playdates, occasional doctor appointments and haphazard naptimes.

Although I'm not returning to work full-time (Thank you God for large blessings!), this end of summer will bring Structure marching back to our house, clipboard and homework in hand. She will demand lunches be pre-packed the night before and clothes are laid out on the end of the bed. We will have to schedule extra time in the morning for the inevitable last-minute diaper change or gas station stop. Playtime will be relegated to evening hours and weekends. My day will be full of only one baby boy, which I will love, but my heart aches for my big kid even though he hasn't left for class yet. This is The Last Month, and it makes me sad. Blessed, but sad.

It's sunny out today - we're going to go to the park, and make our pinata for Sean's party; blow fuzzy dandelions to the wind and wish for the August days to go ever so slowly...