Peter Pan Syndrome...

So, it's really a term for "men who never grew up", but perhaps it can be a term for those of us who wish we were kids again (for a brief moment in time at least). After having three kids and going through some of the trials and tribulations of being an adult/parent I look at my kids' lives and become a little jealous. Think about it -- they don't have a care in the world and it's simply because they don't know of the dangers. They aren't afraid of germs because they don't know they exist!

I remember sitting in the pediatrician's office with 5 day old Colin (my third) and having a first time mom say "wow! you look like you have it all figured out" as she noticed my cool and calm appearance. Little did she know that 10 minutes later I'd be in the exam room in tears (blame it on the hormones - happy one moment sad the next). I was so overwhelmed with having three kids and trying to keep them all healthy so my little man wouldn't get sick. Colin was exposed to someone with a cold the day before and I was terrified. I remember hearing a five year old in the next room screaming "I want to go home" before getting her shot - and secretly deep down I wanted to be her. I wanted to go home to my parents house, curl up in my bed, and forget all my worries and fears -- and just be a five year old again excited to go to Kindergarten! Hence the tears! haha

I look at my kids -- Caroline is sitting across from me eating her "Amazon Frosted Flakes" (I'm telling you they are really yummy!!) and she just told me, very excitedly, "Mom, look I have PJ's on!" They go to bed at night holding on to their stuffed animals (and their new pillow pets from Christmas!) and they know they are safe in their beds because Mommy and Daddy are there. Then there is Jeff and myself -- having to worry about all the stresses in our lives.

But, over time I've come to realize that this is part of growing up. We can't really be Peter Pan as much as we want to -- it's fictitious for goodness sake. God has a plan for us and we just have to relax, enjoy the ride, and treasure each day we have with our family and friends.