Milestones

There are several milestones that kids reach as they journey toward adulthood. There's the first word, the first steps, potty training, driving, and so many more. The milestone I most look forward to in those early years is the day the kid spits up for the last time. 

In our family we are currently embedded deeply in the spit up phase with our youngest. He's a fountain that bubbles over on a regular basis. As with all of our kids, he loves being held backwards, which is fortunate because this allows the puke to launch away from the person holding him. 

Everyone in the house knows what just happened whenever the familiar "splat" sound hits the floor. A while back we were out to dinner and the baby started acting fussy. I decided to walk around to settle him down. As I walked, an older couple was admiring him, so I stopped and chatted with them for a few minutes, never even thinking about the fact that his mouth was aimed right at them. Sure enough, without warning, the little guy let one go and spewed toward the kind gentleman. Fortunately, this guy was much more agile than I had expected and he jumped back in the most nimble fashion, dodging the fountain and keeping himself dry. 

Slightly chagrinned, I grabbed some napkins and wiped up the slick floor. Fortunately the couple was very understanding. As I headed back to our table, we shared a good-natured chuckle and I even complimented the guy on his athleticism.  Someday we will pass the no-puking-in-public milestone, but this was not the day. 

As you homeschool, there are all kinds of milestones that your kids will pass. Some of them will be a messy process that might embarrass you a little.  Others will just sort of happen without you even thinking about them.  

The best part of homeschooling is that you can be there for your kids to cheer them on as they reach each milestone. As for me, I plan to throw a huge party as soon as Jake goes a full day without puking and you should do the same for your kids. Celebrate their milestones. Make them feel proud of what they accomplish. Have fun along the way and enjoy each day.  

Raising kids isn't always pretty, but it's always worth it.