A cicada sat on our window in the stairwell between the third and second floors of our building. We saw it on Saturday on our way out to get groceries. Hadley and Harper had never seen a bug this size so we had to stop and have a good long look. The cicadas have been quite loud this summer and I wondered whether we would start to see them on sidewalks soon.
That evening, while Jesse and I were making dinner, the girls wanted to see the cicada again, so we propped our condo door open so they could go downstairs and look at it. The excitement of that freedom – we were separated by seven stairs, but the girls were out and we were inside – I think, was palpable between the four of us. What will you do now that you are out of the house? What will you see? I was happy to hear them giggling with each other as well as talking to the bug while Jesse and I cooked and had a conversation of our own.
Kids growing up tugs at the heart, doesn’t it? On the other hand, aren’t you excited to watch what they will become?
I am.
You know they’re going to want it for a pet, don’t you?
that’s when you collect the cicada shells/exoskeletons and convince them they are alive and count as pets. we used to store them in egg cartons in case you’re looking for ideas. 🙂
You and my mom are both smart asses. I just sent your girls the Martha Stewart menu planner and I should’ve thrown in some cicada shells too. That would’ve shown ya.
A bit sad, a bit exciting and a bit freeing (even for the parent) isn’t it?
EXACTLY! Sad and freeing and exciting. All wrapped up in a nice messy package. 🙂
OK – I loathe bugs. Not to be a “girly-girl” but they’re just not my thing. But I do love the movie, which your title references. 🙂 I appreciated reading this today, of all days — “Kids growing up tugs at the heart, doesn’t it? On the other hand, aren’t you excited to watch what they will become?” My boy — my firstborn — turns 10 tomorrow, and I’m finding myself with a heart-full of emotions. The adorable baby is long gone … the every-day-is-a-new-adventure preschooler is beautiful memory. Yet still, they’re there — wrapped up in my tall, bony, lanky boy, who is fully embracing what it means to have reached double-digits and so very eager to cross that threshold. Me … my fingers are holding on to the doorpost, wanting to cross with him — and will — but in some respects longing to hold that baby one last time. We’ll cross it together. And yes, I am excited to watch what he will become! Thanks for this post — it helps make the threshold-crossing a little bit easier. 🙂
It was great “meeting” you this week – hope to talk again soon!
– Sue (NJ)
Hi Sue – I have no shame in admitting that I am a “girly girl.” I am one of the most high maintenance people in the land. There is no judging when another comes here to talk about their loathing of bugs. In fact, I have about 15 posts about my fear of yellow jackets and all other forms of bees.
I don’t know about Alison but I work at it, so thanks for noticing.
yeah, me too. we should get together for coffee sometime, mrs. lewis. you know, to plan future smartassedness.
Ah! More cicadas! (Do I see a revision?) J
Ha! Maybe. I do like thinking about that story…
Good idea Alison, but let’s not tell Callie.
You both are like those two old men in the Muppets.
i can’t think of a higher compliment.