Yesterday marked a four year anniversary for J1 and me - four years of life for J1 and four of mommy-hood for me. Remarkable, unbelievable and nothing short of God's goodness through these four years of immense change and transition. Everyday is different from the one before (yes - in both good and bad ways), and I can't even begin to talk about how becoming a mom changes a person.

Ok, I'm sure that if I sat down and really thought about it, I could - but no, not doing that today! This mommy has been a busy one this week, preparing for J1's birthday celebrations: packing the party bags, calling the caterer, printing invites, calling for RSVPs...

We had a little celebration for J1 at his school yesterday. We blew candles and sang songs, and he gave out party bags to his friends. I just loved to see the way his face light up, knowing that for a few moments he was the star the of the show, with J2 by his side. Priceless. So proud I am of my firstborn.

Yesterday also marked a significant milestone for all of us - we finally set up the boys' bedroom and moved them into their own sleeping space. Yes, we're one of those families who got into that nasty habit of allowing their kids to sleep in their parents' room. It's been like that for over a year, so we're prepared for a few long nights of fierce opposition ahead. So the first night was not so bad, but maybe that was because the novelty of having a new bunk bed to romp around in kept them in fairly good spirits. They'll be missed terribly for sure, but as with so many things pertaining to "Growing Up", it's all for the best. Moms and dads, if you have been in a similar situation, do share some of your experiences and advice!

I was happy to get a few precious shots of J2 rolling around in their new bed this morning while J1 was in school. These are fun!

I'm just heading out the door now for lunch and errands, but I will be back soon to answer questions from the last post about binding the books and printing. Thanks for all the nice comments - I enjoyed reading them.

Hi Brenda, I know how you feel about this issue. My kids have their own room but I'm sleeping with them and it has been like this for 2 years now. I've tried going back to my own bed, but guess what, I couldn't! It's hard but I know one day I'll need to do it.
Your notebooks are gorgeous! Hope you'll give a "tutorial" on your blog perhaps, to show how you did them coz I wanna learn!! :)
Have a great party yah? Sorry I can't be there.

Elaine   ·  Sat, 20 Oct  ·   3:25AM

My DD's 2 1/2yo and still sharing our bed ... lol. I hope to get her into her own room by 4yo but I don't know if I can bear with it ... hahaha. Btw, I truly love your photos and your works are such inspiration :)

Kath   ·  Sat, 20 Oct  ·  10:45AM

what a lovely and poignant post! I enjoyed reading it. Really makes your life and all your many many sacrifices worthwhile right? Can't wait for my turn! :)

andrea   ·  Sat, 20 Oct  ·  10:13PM

bren,
i had an awesome time at J1s bday.. this entry was v touching ya...

ur such an inspiring fren - (great mum, wife, photographer & designer)..

:)

ag   ·  Sat, 20 Oct  ·  10:25PM