Milestones

My stomach was in knots all afternoon and I kept finding myself looking at the clock and, quite frankly, feeling discombobulated and like I was "missing something." I was absolutely missing something, a little piece of my heart. My big boy Benjamin went home from school today with his "best friend" Kaden. This is the first time EVER that Ben has gone home with someone after school other than the Chaplins. This is really one of the first times Ben has been in a car with someone I do not consider a close friend/family member. This is the first time Ben has been to someone's house where I have never been. Ben was so very excited for this day to come, when he could go home with Kaden and play, watch movies, and eat pizza. I was excited for him but a little sad for me. I remember when I was growing up I would spend at least one night every weekend at my best friends house and most weekends she would end up spending whatever night we weren't at her house at my house. I am sure Ben will be the same way some day and Joey too for that matter but it just makes me so sad to see how FAST this whole childhood thing goes. Ben drives me batty most days but the house is truly WAY too quiet for my liking when he is gone. Joey and I just kind of looked at each other like "what do we do now?" Joey kept looking for Ben saying "Where bubby go? When bubby come home? Let's go get him now!" Kaden wanted Ben to spend the night last night and we nixed that due to back to back soccer and basketball games this morning and some fun with friends this afternoon; we didn't want a sleepy, crabby boy on our hands all day! Plus, in all honesty, both Dean and I admitted that we weren't really ready to let Ben spend the night away yet. He has stayed with family and with the Chaplins (who are basically family) but that doesn't count! Hang in there with us Ben, we're all growing up together and though I know you are in a big hurry, mommy and daddy just might need some more time to get used to this big boy we have on our hands. We love you so very much and just aren't ready to "let you go" yet.