See this teeny tiny baby boy? He left home two days ago. And moved to New Zealand.
Where does it say in The Rules that babies are allowed to leave before their mothers are finished with them??

This is a boy who has an immense capacity for love, intellectual ability that he is only just beginning to understand, a social conscience and powerful sense of justice, a tenderness that makes me fear for him, a somewhat black and white morality, the promise of making a significant contribution to the world.
This boy never leaves my head, never leaves my heart.








29 comments
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July 18, 2007 at 10:14 am
Megan
Ah Kirsty. My heart aches for you, but also applauds the great job you’ve done raising him to be such a fine young man.
Is he going to university here, or something?
July 18, 2007 at 10:41 am
twolimeleaves
Thanks, Megan. Yes, he’s going to Massey. These poor kids, Aussie/Kiwi hybrids that they are, are doomed to a lifetime of Trans-Tasman travel!!
July 18, 2007 at 11:19 am
Margie
you know every time my live away leaves home after a brief… visit my heart aches all over again..so much for bring up secure children… getting on with there lives….doing well… and leaving the mother a blithering mess…. i want one of those needy kids who wants to be with me forever…. naw i am only kidding… well done mother as hard as this is this is success…. but it is a reall bugger ….i will be thinking about you and if you get lonesome send me an email and we will sob together…. margie
July 18, 2007 at 11:25 am
Meggie
The very first time my son left home, I cried all day, as I helped him pack, & gave him linens etc to help him & his partner.
You never stop missing them, & they always remain in your heart- the baby you gave birth to.
Your son is handsome & wonderful. Good luck to his days at Massey!
July 18, 2007 at 11:44 am
Jade
You must be proud and also so brave. My eyes are welling up just reading your post. I don’t know what I’d do when the bub grows up and decides to leave home.
July 18, 2007 at 1:09 pm
amandajean
I can’t imagine how hard it must be to let go!!!
July 18, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Thimbleanna
Oh….hang in there. This is the worst part by far, but it gets a little easier. They never tell you that when they hand you those tiny babies when they’re born do they? If you keep busy, it will make it so much easier. You can always lose yourself in blogs, LOL!
July 18, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Stomper Girl
I wish both you and him all the best in his big adventure. The longing & loving in your post made me cry.
*sniffle* they grow up so fast…
July 18, 2007 at 2:13 pm
denise
oh, this is so scary to me, Emmy is only 3 years away from leaving me, then what? I will be all alone…I told her she could home school college, but she declined!!
I feel for you, but he sounds so perfect, you must be so proud too.
July 18, 2007 at 3:19 pm
chronicler
(((((Big Hugs Kirsty))))) I know how hard this step is. For both of you. It’s a step we know they must take, but it is hard to see them go. I will think good thoughts for you. Know that you have a friend half a world away, hoping the best for both of you through this new journey.
July 18, 2007 at 3:47 pm
peppermintpatcher
Will mothers ever be finished with their babies? He is off on an adventure because you prepared him and made him capable. He is more grown up than you know, but less than he believes. He will work it out as he goes along, just like we all did in those early years away from home. You’ll be on the same journey, as your house settles into a new routine. Be kind to yourselves.
July 18, 2007 at 6:04 pm
nicolette
Oh Kirsty, I think the most precious gift from a parent to a child is the ability to let go! Of course he will never leave your mind or your heart, but you must feel sooo proud to have raised such a wonderful kid! You two did a great job! I don’t have children, but it’s a returning theme at all our friends houses at the moment and being at the side-line I sympathy with all you mothers!!! I‘ve understood it’s a bit of a mourning process.. for your husband as well! What nice stuff did you make or buy him to take to New Zealand? You certainly did spoil him rotten? I think of you!!!!!!
July 18, 2007 at 8:15 pm
Maddy
Ohhh no way, that’s not happening in our house … I come fro the UK and my kids better not decide to go staying with the relly’s.
Thinking of you, but I’m sure he’s going to be ok.
July 18, 2007 at 8:28 pm
redslippers
all part of the growing process. As Tracey says, he would not feel capable embarking on this journey without the tools you have equipt him with to do so. adjustment periods are always tricky- hang in there.
July 18, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Dy
Ohhhh Kirsty, my heart is thumping on your behalf. It’ll all turn out fine but I can understand how you are feeling.
July 18, 2007 at 10:39 pm
kate1976
Oh no! He’s leaving the nest! I think the answer to your question is “The Rules clearly state that it is allowed because you will never be finished with them”!
I am 31 in a couple of weeks and my mum still calls me her baby and the other day, we were in her kitchen having a laugh and making some tea and she looked at me and said ‘can’t you come back home?!’. I had to tell her that my husband might have something to say about that!
July 18, 2007 at 10:49 pm
pricklypearbloom
Oh, Kirsty. I’m giving you a big e-hug from across the world. I know it must be so hard, but all the best luck to him and you. It sounds like you have raised a fine young man, and he will be successful in the crazy new things life has to bring him.
July 18, 2007 at 11:16 pm
kirsten
NO!! they’re NOT allowed to leave, our babies. never. and NOT for another country. no way.
July 19, 2007 at 12:37 am
Melinda
Awwwwww. That bittersweet moment we both look forward to and dread. It does sound as if you have raised an amazing young man…. he will do well in life…. and he will always be your baby. My mother still tells me this (and my bossy big sister will never let me forget it)!
July 19, 2007 at 12:55 am
laeroport
Ah… I’m thankful that I’m years away from that. Hugs to you!
July 19, 2007 at 3:00 am
erin
oh, kirsty! i dread the day my girls leave. sending hugs your way!
July 19, 2007 at 5:36 am
Di
Hope that the time away is not too long! That he’ll be home for holidays soon!!
July 19, 2007 at 8:11 am
Flibbertygibbet
I have a feeling it will turn out to be ‘the making of him’ as the saying goes. He’ll be back. Big hugs.
July 19, 2007 at 8:38 am
angela rout
your little comment makes me cry! I have a baby boy, and every day he seems to become more independant I cant believe there will be a day he will leave! Also, my parents left their parents, to move to NZ when I was a kid. We lived there most of my childhood, seperated from grandparents, but loving the life there. And still I am torn. I live a life on two continents. I want to go back - but how can I tear myself and my family from our parents, sisters and grandparents?…your post truly brought a flood of emotions! And your description of your son is so touching, they way only a truly thoughtful mom can dee their child with such honesty and love!
July 19, 2007 at 11:34 am
Tanya Brown
He’s a very nice-looking young man. I hope he enjoys his time at university and that life is kind to him.
Someone once told me that having a child is like having your heart walk around outside your body. That would seem to apply here.
July 20, 2007 at 8:16 am
rosie
With a big lump in my throat I read this entry! My boy is the same age. How many days, months or years do I have before he goes? Cant bear the thought in one way but like you, I can see it must happen. I wish you all the best for this major upheaval in your life. xx
July 20, 2007 at 11:31 am
jude
i have one of those. although he has been out of the house for a while now… the feeling is the same.
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