It’s been about 8 weeks since Miss 18 moved out of home, and I am coping surprisingly well.
We have managed to put together the best of the old habits along with some new routines, to create a new kind of normal.
What A New Kind of Normal Looks Like
One of the old habits we have re-invented, is having “family dinner” one night a week.
I Must Confess: it’s easy to get a bit slack about cooking dinner now it’s pretty much just the hubster and I (Mr 20 works until late in the evening) – and even when we do cook, we will often eat in front of the TV. So a proper home-cooked meal is a special treat, and all the more precious because of the laughter and conversation around the table.
All the tension seems to have disappeared; the hubster in particular seems to be finding it a lot easier to “let go” and just enjoy the company of our grown children.
Miss 18 and I go for coffee together regularly and text often. In fact, one of my favourite new routines is sending Miss 18 her “Daily Fleur” text. Each morning I send her a pic of our kitty (heaven knows I take enough of them!); and I’m told that it is the highlight of Miss 18’s day. I think she needs to get a life 😉 !
Seriously though, I’m thrilled that we still share our love of all things cute, even though we live apart.
Truth be told we probably see more of Miss 18 now than when she lived at home! When she has an early shift, there are no buses in her new area and if you’ve ever tried to order a taxi in peak hour, you’ll know it’s almost impossible (and if they do turn up they’re an hour late). As a result, she “sleeps over” about once a week so she can get to work on time in the morning. Of course she has to make do with a mattress in the lounge, as her brother quickly took over her bedroom for displaying his collectibles … it could be interesting if she ever decides to move back …
I think the kids communicate occasionally and have even been known to watch a movie together, which is nice to see 🙂 .
So to other families on the verge of having their chicks fly the nest … it’s not too bad. You’ll soon find that, like me, you’re enjoying this new kind of normal!
What do you look forward to / enjoy about having your chicks flown from the nest?
Linking up with My Home Truths.