Pajama Days

When summer changed to fall this year a lot of other things changed too. But like the seasons, it just kinda crept up on me - even though I knew the change was coming. Nathan started preschool and for many reasons we were all so excited. And he loves it! He practically pulls us out the door when we are dressed and ready to go. But the start of the school is really, the start of school . . . . forever. When kids start school, each year there are more days and longer days when they are out and about in the world, spending less time at home, in pajamas, hanging out with mommy.

This of course is bittersweet. I'm glad to be able to stop and take note of it now. It will make the long non-school days more enjoyable when I think about how we won't have them forever. Nathan will be in Kindergarten, then grade school. Then Benny will be off in the world before I know it. I will have lots of time for other stuff (yay!) but I know will miss these days too. I just have to remember that while I'm in it. Or it will pass you by and don't even realize what you missed.

I have a lot of friends who I get together with regularly and it seems the change in season and school year hit them too. They have kids the same age but on different schedules than us. Suddenly we went from seeing each other several times a week, whenever we wanted, to just once every few. Our kids don't play together as much. People are busy. Things just changed. But I know they are like me and want to freeze time just a little bit. Despite all the things to do they have all taken a step back and said "we still need our pajama days." It's true. We need a day or two per week where we just hang around the house. Make a fort, even if it's not raining, bake cookies, play games, do whatever together in our pajamas. These are good days that are passing even as I type!

Thanks to my friends for that much needed perspective I make sure to make time for pajama days and enjoy them as much as we can. I hate to tell my kids that after a certain age, they just don't come as often.