nested

[beachlass]

The temperature is dropping tonight on the prairies and going back to a more seasonal -20 C overnight. So I'm glad to be nested home tonight in my cozy apartment, with a chicken in the oven and my eldest child on the couch. 

One of the big adjustments for me over that last year has been living on my own. I've never done this before! 

I went from my family home to housemates to kids to husband and kids and back to just kids. 

I like the quiet of living by myself, although I have to watch that solitude doesn't become entirely solitary. It's harder, I think, in a new city - because I don't have my own network of friends or activities here.  

So it's extra nice to have my girl with me over Christmas. We've done a bit of shopping, stocked up on groceries and got our short list of movies (The Favourite), TV (Letterkenny) and youtube (Bon Appetit: Claire makes gourmet junk food). 

Today we looked through boxes of old photos - it's astonishing to see faded photos through her eyes - I see the misery of grade school, or the ordinariness of growing up in the 70s - she sees something else entirely. 

Someone asked me this week if I would describe myself as a good mother. I replied that I would say I tried my hardest, and sometimes failed. But my kids have said I was (am) a good mother, and it's their judgement that counts. 

And I guess the proof is on my couch: the 26 year old who flew here to spend the holiday with her mom. Just the two of us. 

Comments

[kass]

Cozy apartment and chicken in the oven and eldest child on the couch sounds lovely. And yes -- the fact that she flew there to be with you is indeed a testament to your parenting, and to your relationship, and that is awesome.

[beachlass]

<3

Parenting just keeps evolving and being a new adventure, even when they are 'grown'.