Have you ever been tired? Tired of children, tired of macaroni and cheese, tired of diapers, tired of sore breasts, tired of crumbs on your floor, tired of being asked to be held, just plain tired of being tired? I have. Oh yes, I most certainly have.
If you are a mother, I’d venture to say you probably have, too.
I had an experience that moved me a few years ago, though. It was an evening I spent bathing my children that very literally revolutionized my perspective on mothering. Longing to tell you all about it, I shared a similar version of this post a while back. And now that we have a tiny, helpless, amazing, sweet, grunting newborn in the house again, living in the moment has risen back to the top of my priority list. I rewrote my post and share this version with you now, because I am more determined than ever this fifth time around to constantly remember that I’m gonna miss this. I long for that awareness for all mothers. You see, remembering that little truth, knowing that I am guaranteed to look back years from now and miss this arduous time mothering young children, is making these very first weeks of having a newborn some of the most precious days I have ever lived.
I hope that my thoughts here might speak to and encourage some other tired mothers out there. (And, to be honest, I’m posting it as much as a reminder for me as I am for you.) Here goes.
I am frequently asked, “How do you do it? How do you stay so calm with young children? I would go crazy with five so little!”
The answer? I’m not entirely sure. Part of it is just how God made me, I think. I have long felt that I was fashioned to be a mother. The Lord knew before the dawn of time that my husband and I would be blessed with five children within the span of five years. And while I certainly have my faults, many of which you are aware of as I am not afraid to blog about my failures and struggles, I will say that I am pretty calm with our children. Patience is something the Lord has blessed me with, and I am so thankful. Even though that is true, there are also times in my mothering when I stay calm in the midst of chaos because, frankly, it’s better than the alternative. You know, the whole I’m laughing just to keep myself from crying thing. Yeah, that. A shrieking mama going ballistic over a slammed door, spilled milk or baby woken from his nap by an older sibling is not going to make an already stressful situation any better for anyone concerned. So, for the most part, I stay calm, trying not to escalate any already challenging moments. And believe me, our family has plenty of them. For some time now, my focus has been on attempting to be in the moment with my children as much as I can. I don’t always succeed, yet that is always my goal.
But how did I get to be this way? To have this kind of perspective?
As I said, a beautiful bit of inspiration descended upon me almost two years ago. Right during bathtime. It was an inspiration which changed my parenting from that day forward. I’m not exaggerating or being facetious when I say that keeping this one little truth in mind makes it as easy as apple pie for me to stay calm. Yes even in the midst of toddler meltdowns, preschool tantrums, that afternoon we skipped naps and went to Target, and the much dreaded witching hour.
In times like those, I can stay calm, being grateful for my children even when things are stressful, because I remember that I’m gonna miss this.
Let me start at the beginning. It was dark out, I was wrapping up bathtime, and my husband was still at work. I was doing dinner, baths and bedtime myself those days. I can’t be entirely certain, but I’m sure it had been a long day with the kids. Most of the days were. Come to think of it, they still are. At that time, our oldest little guy was three, our second son was one and a half and our baby girl was a newborn. It is as clear as day still, this bathtime memory.
I was sitting on the toilet, hunched over the tub, preparing to get MckNugget out of the bath, sweating. Warm water and many warm bodies made our tiny bathroom, well, warm. Small Fry, too young to bathe with her brothers, was sprawled on the floor of the bathroom perched atop some towels that were possibly clean. And possibly not. She was sporting nothing but a diaper and a grimace. Big Mac was still in the tub; I hadn’t washed his hair yet. He was squawking to get out, saying something about the water no longer being warm enough, and Small Fry was bellyaching for attention. Or milk. You know, normal newborn stuff. For a litany of reasons, not the least of which was my utter fatigue, bathtime needed to come to a close. Pajamas were waiting; my pillow was audibly calling my name. I lifted Nuggey up out of the tub and wrapped my drenched second born in his green, hooded dinosaur towel. There was no sense getting worked up, at least on the outside. So I determined to stay calm and cuddled him in terrycloth while his siblings continued to whimper and whine. I slowly rocked him back and forth in my arms and sang Rock-a-bye Baby to my clean toddler. It was a routine, singing that song after I got our children out of the bath. We did it every night. One time through the song for each child.
As I wrapped up the song, I prepared to sit Nuggey up and attend to the deafening chaos that was the other children. After all, there was another boy to finish washing, teeth to brush, an empty belly to fill with breastmilk, diapers to find, jammies to slip on and beds to tuck children into. But as he sensed me about to right him, Nuggey tossed his wet head back into the crook of my arm and looked up at me, his forehead still glistening with bath water, some residual bubbles in his hair. “Uh-gain!” he squealed, his eyes twinkling.
Like the good mother I tried to be, I sang Rock-a-bye Baby one more time, but I told him firmly that it would most certainly be the last. My blood pressure was rising as the heat and noise continued to permeate the bathroom. Our other two children were giving no signs of calming down, and I was tired. Not only did I not want to sing any more, I was fairly certainly I physically couldn’t. Yet when I finished singing the second time around, Nuggey begged in his sweet, young voice once again for more.
I didn’t want to do more. My desire to be with my children at that point could definitely have been measured in the negative. As in, below zero. Less than no desire. I didn’t want to sing to him one more time. I was tired. Tired of children, tired of singing, tired of bubbles, tired of voices, tired of being awake, tired of diapers, tired of…well, you get the idea. Lengthening the day with any more singing was the last thing I wanted to do. But then suddenly, it was as if supernatural fairy dust was sprinkled from the heavens directly onto my head. A crystal clear glimpse of my very own future spread out before me.
All at once I knew that I was gonna miss this.
I was looking down at little Nuggey when this vision of sorts appeared to me. My son’s damp eyelashes, beautiful, long and dark, were batting at me. His tiny bottom was cradled in my hand, his soft, chubby legs thrown over my arm, his dinosaur toweled body entirely dependent on the strength of my tired arms as I held him in my lap. Yes, suddenly I could see my future. I was still sitting on the edge of the toilet, looking towards the open bathroom door. Nuggey, now a grown young man sporting a football jersey and facial hair, walked past the doorway down the hall, smelling of cologne and talking on his cell phone, waving at me as he walked by. It was going to happen. And soon. While I firmly believe that joys I won’t expect will also arrive when that time in my life comes, when our young children are teenagers and beyond, it still struck me like a ton of bricks. It was frightening, overwhelming and a bit horrific to me as a young mother. Tears began to fill my tired eyes.
I knew that when my children were grown, I was gonna miss this.
When Nuggey (or Big Mac or Stellan or baby Flurry or our sweet Small Fry) comes home from college, gives me a high five, asks for some money and then hibernates in his bedroom all summer listening to music, I’m gonna miss this. With that sprinkle of fairy dust, my future was shown to me in fast forward that evening. I was given the insight that my older self would give anything for 20 year old Nuggey to be a toddler again. Even if for just for one hour, heck even one minute, I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that I would love to rock him, sing and stroke his wet hair. But I won’t be able to. Once our children are grown, they are grown. There is no going back to toddlerhood, not for a day. Or an hour. Or a minute. I will have to be content with my adult children. I’m sure I will be and will look forward with much joy to grandchildren and beyond. But I am still positive that I’m gonna miss this.
And that night in the bathroom, years before the future I could clearly see even took place, I was being given my wish. Miraculously, I was able to rock Nuggey, a nearly helpless babe in arms, one more time. And then another time after that. And yet another. My world turned upside down as I began to see that the life I am living right now, the endless days that give me bags under my eyes and pounding headaches, are a dream come true. I am living a granted wish in reverse, and I finally realized it.
Given a breathtaking new perspective from which to see, I wiped the tears from my eyes and sang Rock-a-bye Baby as many times as Nuggey would let me that night. I lost count. As I rocked him, hot tears fell from my eyes onto the dinosaur towel. Eventually Small Fry found her hands and started admiring them. Or maybe she got one of her fingers into her mouth and started sucking it like MckFlurry often does these days. Big Mac grabbed a new tub toy and started splashing away, singing the ABC’s to himself. And more intensely than I ever had before, I relished that time with Nuggey in my arms. The love I felt for him at that moment, the gratefulness that he was still little, still with me, was so intense that it hurt. For now I knew then that soon enough he would be all grown and my arms would ache to hold him like a baby again. Even once.
Indeed, I’m gonna miss this.
My mind cannot help, now that I think about that evening again, but wander to those parents who have buried children. I have known friends who have experienced loss and have read blogs chronicling grief. Is there anything on earth those dear parents would not give to hold their children again, even for a moment!? In a million, trillion years they would not complain to themselves about having to sing Rock-a-bye Baby one more time, or losing sleep, or fingerprints on the glass, or peanut butter in their hair. Rather, I imagine mothers who have lost children would give their right arm and their left to be able to sit with their child and sing Rock-a-bye Baby until their voice was hoarse, their eyelids closing in slumber.
And women with empty wombs who pray and ache for children, yet remain with longing arms? What honor am I doing them if I take for granted the fact that I have children, healthy young children who are begging me to cuddle them, sing to them, build train tracks with them, come look at what they drew and listen to their jokes? For myself and those women who long for their own children, I decided that night to love my babies, not taking them for granted. To sing to them when they ask. And clean up their Cheerios without grumbling. Even to tuck them in for the seventh time in one night. Or seventeenth.
Right there and then, sweaty as I sat on the edge of the toilet in the bathroom that night not so long ago, I vowed to try my best to be ever thankful for the moments I do have with my children. Oh Lord, help me not wish away their young years, always hoping to get more laundry done or other children dried off. I desire to not live my mornings only for the hope of naptime, my afternoons with just bedtime in mind. I will relish each kiss, hug and song; I’ll let dishes pile up because I was asked to play Chutes and Ladders. I will teach our little ones to pick up their toys, even if it takes months of reminders. By wiping bottoms, telling the story of Jonah and the whale just one more time, smelling MckFlurry’s newborn head, kissing booboos (even pretend ones) and playing house, I will leave their childhood behind with no regrets. For I desire that no “I love you” is left unsaid, no cheek remains unkissed, no request to “Cuddle wif’ me!” will ever be turned down and no child awakened by a thunderstorm will be turned away from our bed. Even as the fish sticks with tartar sauce fly and the Sharpie stains our kitchen table, when there are 3 am blowouts and caked Desitin under my fingernails, as I am awakened every three hours around the clock to nurse our newborn and my body carries around more baby weight than I fear I’ll ever be able to get rid of, I know now that…
…I’m gonna miss this.
You know, my youngest son became mine when he was 5 and I never got to rock him as a baby or toddler. Those that knew him as a little one say he couldn’t be comforted by anyone but his daddy (birth mother left when he was 3 months old).
Now that my youngest is 14 and working hard his goal of being a popular jock/man-about-town with no curfew (insert much laughter here!), his meltdowns are… intense. And yet Sunday evening when the hollering was done, he sat on his bed alone, without his phone, his frustration pouring out in tears that turned to sobs, I slid over and wrapped one leg around his body, my arms pulling him close, he leaned against me and just let the tears flow.
There was nothing I could do but just let him know that no matter the “unfairness” of a 14-year-old not being able to be in charge of himself, his mama can still love him and comfort him. (Who says boys have less drama than girls?! – LOL)
Wow, Dawn! That’s exactly what we’re going through at 13–the meltdowns and the need to be totally in charge of his own life! And I get so frustrated with the constant “I’m sorrys” and then back to the same behavior. I’m struggling with forgiveness over and over. I know that I have to–just as God forgives me for the sins I commit over and over…. joie
You know what abundance means! That’s the truth! When we follow God, he ALWAYS leads us to abundance, even it that means diapers and crying. This life is exactly right for right now. http://livewithflair.blogspot.com/
And I so miss those toddler days. Now they are 14, 13, 11, and 9. No more nights of all four in the big tub. No more flooding the bathroom with water. No more buying Tonka dump trucks (my only boy is the 14 year old). Now my fourteen year old is sporting that football jersey, cologne, and cell phone. He’s planning fun stuff at pep rallies. That 13 year old girl is wearing make-up and fixing her hair and trying to catch the attention of boys. And the 11 and 9 year old girls aren’t far behind. Yes, I miss that time of “toddler-hood”. I really thought things were difficult then, but it is a whole different kind of difficult now. The teen years are going to fun (that is when they like you and don’t consider you the oldest dumbest person alive!). Enjoy your babies!!
I had four kids in five years. Boys. And my whole house was covered in dirt and noise and little shoes for a long time. I was so tired of washing handprints off the walls and picking up those shoes all day.
Now my first baby is 20. Let me tell you, I miss his handprints on my walls. Every wall is clean now. I would give a lot to have his messy prints again.
And when the teen boys leave their shoes in the entryway, I step over them and think how blessed I am to have shoes left in my entryway. Because I know someday, those will be missed, too.
Amen, sister!
Thanks for posting this again. I remember needing to see it the first time and the reminder was exactly what I needed this week.
I cried the first time I read this and cried again this morning as read it. I have stopped myself numerous times (after reading your first version) to take breath and realize that they are only this size & age today & I use that to enjoy even the rough moments. Looking back 5 years ago, I was one of those women who wanted desperately to have a child and ached not knowing if I would ever see that day. Now I am blessed with a 3 yr old and an 11 month old. When I have a rough day I try to keep in mind not only that I’m going to miss this but that I ached for it before I had them. My 11 month old was born with congenital muscular torticollis which has required ongoing physical therapy since 4 months of age. This then caused plagiocephaly (her head became misshaped from always laying with her neck/head in the same position) which 80% or babies with torticiollis get. She was fitted with a helmet which she wore 23 hours per day fop about 3 months and then right after her helmet came off, she had to have botox injected into her should. Just yesterday at her therapy appointment the cervical/spinal specialist she saw said her 1st cervical vertibre sits just left of center under her skull (also common with torticollis) which is another reason for her head constantly tilting to the right. The therapist preformed a treatement which basically stretched the ligaments around the 1st vertibre which allows the vertibre to slide toward the center. She has to have this done every other week for 3-4 more visits. In the beginning I would get very upset and cried alot. But then we went into the main Children’s hospital campus and I saw little bald children being pulled in wagons with IV bags hooked to them, or children in wheel chairs unable to walk and I realized that yes my baby has to go through some unpleasant treatments but what she has is not fatal. She is healthy. So I also try to remember EVERY DAY that not only am I “going to miss this” and that I “ached for this” but that I am SO very blessed that my children are overall healthy.
This brought tears to my eyes, especially since I just pulled an almost all-nighter with my 5 month old and have lost all control of my emotions.
I heard a quote the other day that I loved and I have to paraphrase it since I can’t remember who said it- for young mothers the days are long, but the years are short. Thanks for this beautiful reminder of how precious this time is.
Having teens, I realize that one day I will miss having teens! I will miss getting pedicures with my daughter, going from store to store for the perfect outfit, making cupcakes one lazy afternoon. I will miss watching my son help my husband in the yard, texting a lot with him, high-fiving him daily. I will miss sharing dinner with both of them, proof-reading papers, and a nightly kiss from each.
All times are fleeting and must be treasured.
I loved this the first time you posted it, and am embracing it even more this time. I needed this reminder from God (through you) to cherish these years with my boys. It’s been a rough year in our lives with many transitions and I have managed to lose sight of what I should be holding closest to my heart.
Thank you. Your post has me in tears and ready to start anew today being the mom that I want and need to be to my boys. My “to do”s are going to have to wait. Lord knows they’ll still be there when I get to them! For now, I’ve got two precious blessings to soak up and be Jesus to.
Such a beautiful post. I am glad you posted it again.
I definitely needed that reminder today. It does go by so quickly, and as my kids are aging ever more rapidly (it seems) I need to remember to live in the moment. As we get ready for school to start tomorrow, there has been a to do list a mile long. I have to remember to stop and enjoy our last full day together before summer break is over.
Wow, I needed this today. I have a 3 month old who is in the throes of not sleeping and is currently sick, so needless to say, my patience has been waning a bit. In fact, not too many nights ago, I thought the very same thing you wrote — that there are SO MANY women out there who, quite honestly, would love nothing more than to get up 7 times in one night to tend to their babies. And right then and there, I hugged my little baby so tight and cried big, big tears for my selfishness.
Because I too know I’m gonna miss this.
Thanks for the perspective again!
Thank you for reminding all of us to live in the present, the here and now. Not wishing for the future or days to come. But enjoying our precious little ones in these moments right now, however difficult or challenging they may be at times. I appreciate your honesty and encouragement. I don’t want to let these days slip by without being grateful for every second.
Thank you! I remember reading your original post some time ago before I had a toddler of my own. It brought tears to my eyes then, and tears again today. It definitely has meaning on a whole new level now. I try to cherish her youngness as much as I can, but I fear that I don’t truly appreciate it. My mind is constantly racing to all the other things I need to be doing, or all the things I can’t wait for her to be able to do. Sometimes, I am very guilty of not living in the moment. Hopefully, next time I am feeling overwhelmed, I wil remember your words. Thanks for re-sharing!
Thank you. I do think about this alot. I try to never wish away the moments. Like ‘I can’t wait until he can do this, or I can’t wait until this time when we can do this’. I’ve found I’ve stopped thinking about it lately and I really needed this to put it back in persepctive. Your post made me tear up at work. I even had to turn my fan on!
Thank you for helping mothers not wish away the moments.
Thank you for this post. I am not a mother, nor do i have children but this post still brought tears to my eyes. I am a new wife, we have been married a year, and already I am not content with where we are. for some reason I am all wrapped up in “we need a house” to “settle down” to “find good jobs” to “finish school” to “make more money” so we can “start our family” etc. Forgetting that even at this time, while we are both newly married, working, and in graduate school, that this time is precious, and i am going to miss this! I am going to miss my husband and I having the time to load up our bikes and go for mountain bike rides, or out to dinner or a show spontaneously. I’m going to miss the fact it is just his and my dishes, so much less then when we have our children running around. I’m going to miss the time I have to just call up my girlfriends and go shopping or out of coffee. I’m going to miss staying out late with friends or even dinners with me and my husband. I’m going to miss cuddling with him in the morning, because we both have a school schedule that allows us a ton of time in the morning together. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait to have kids, but every part of our lives is an “i’m going to miss this moment.” I’m so convicted for taking each day for granted right now. Thank you. And thank you Lord for all these blessings.
MckMama,
I will miss the “Mama, can I have you? I NEED YOU.” and the ” mama, can I have a bear hug?” and even “MAMA! so-and-so won’t leave me alone!!!” I will miss these times…
I have never responded to one of your posts before… but this one… this one touched me. I am a SAHM of 5 (with our 6th due in early December). My oldest is only 9, and my youngest is just shy of 2… Just before I read this I yelled at my youngest for hitting her next oldest brother and thought “Lord I can’t wait for naptime” and then “and then it’s only 5 hours after naptime is over that it’s bedtime and I might get some freakin PEACE”. *shaking my head* All too often we forget how much we will miss these trying days.
My older brother and younger sister were killed in a car accident when I was 14, so I know what it’s like to bury someone -to wish that you had more time, and to see the grief of parents who had to bury their children. My mother is always telling me she wishes she had enjoyed our younger years when she could. But mostly she just remembers wanting TIME, time away from the 3 of us, time for herself and her own hobbies… Even hearing it from her lips, I still didn’t understand that it will be the same for me if I don’t ENJOY the time I have with them now.
My oldest is 9 now. 9! I can still remember bringing her home from the hospital thinking I would always cherish every moment I have with her. But, I have all too often failed to enjoy the moments that can so easily throughly annoy and anger and frustrate, if only I had had the right frame-of-mind, I could have seen those trying times as a stepping stone to enjoying the fun times that much more… in stead of letting the trying times annoy to the point that I can’t enjoy the happiness and delight that young children can bring. Approaching the birth of our 6th child, I still remember holding our youngest, wishing she would never grow up… and now she’s almost 2 and bullying her brothers. Once day, we will laugh at her antics and wish that time would reverse. I WILL MISS THIS. I will miss being pregnant, when God decrees we are done having babies. I will miss the food cravings and the uncomfortable sleeping positions, and the kicking – even when she bruises my ribs.
thank you for reminding me of that. every day with these kids is a blessing… a blessing that will be over all too quickly. God Bless You MckMama.
This post brought me to tears. Thank you for your perspective as I have now made it mine!
I read this posted as tears slid down my cheeks. . . my babies are 18, 17 (boys), 16, and 15 (girls). I totally understand the busyness of infancy and toddlerhood and oh how I longed for the days they would all be in school. Now, oh how I long for the days I can still rock them. Every once in a while my cuddlers, 18 y.o., and my 15 y.o. will want to sit on my lap and I rock them. I ask them all if just one more time on their wedding days can I rock them in my lap and hold them like I used to. Just recently my 16 y.o daughter came in and asked if she could sleep with me. Of course, the answer was yes!! I laid for a while and listened to her breathe as she slept. Precious moments. They do grow up fast and I miss those days terribly. I don’t know how I managed then but I did and so will every other mother out there who thinks that the crying, whining, diapers, laundry, etc. will never end, and yes, YOU ARE GOING TO MISS THIS!!! Believe it or not. . . Thank you for bringing back all those GREAT memories for me this morning. I do have a lot to be thankful for. The Lord has blessed me abundantly and I don’t know what I would do without each one of my precious babies. They are such a gift. Cherish every moment, you won’t regret it.
Good post. It’s sometimes hard to remeber that “I’m gonna miss this”. A nice little reminder that they’ll be grown up before we know it and I know I will truly miss them being little.
Thank you. I needed this more than youll ever know. I am struggling to balance life, work, kids, husband and home and so often I find myself rushing thru this or that to stay on schedule or having our son play by himself so I can get this or that done. I WILL MISS THIS, and I dont want to miss NOW any longer. This has truly touched and awakened me, thank you.
You really need a disclaimer under the title :Box of tissue would be nice while reading this!!!
Thank you for sharing your story again. I remember it from a while ago, and it has been a great reminder to enjoy the littles because before to long, they won’t be little anymore.
As a mother of that now teenaged, football jerseyed, cell phone texting, young teenaged boy.. I am bawling right now! I had 3 kids, very close together and looking back.. most of their infancy is a blur to me. My daughter is 17 and my boys are 14 and 12. Their dependence on my is dwindling.. their cuddle, snuggle times are few and far between, and when I want to just kiss on their beautiful faces for hours on end.. I get a dramatic eye roll.
They don’t understand that because their needs have changed, mine haven’t. I still NEED to smell their sweet skin, kiss their little lips and hold their bodies in mine. I NEED it like I NEED air. The thought that one of them is leaving for college in a few years, takes my breath away. I literally cannot inhale when I imagine her driving off in her car to start her life!
So, as a mother who is missing her children being small… I agree! YOU WILL MISS THIS! Take each moment and make it a memory. Enjoy the tedious things like nursing, burping and patting that little bottom. Enjoy massaging lotion onto their little bodies. Study each fingernail, toenail, and dimple. Inhale their sweet smell. Most importantly, thank God for each and every moment he gives us with our children.
I have the fear of ‘not being needed anymore’ as well and I too almost go into a full blown panic attack…my husband thinks I am crazy but my favorite times are when ALL 5 of us are snuggled up close watching a movie & I am very blessed that my 19 year old still gives me hugs and kisses when she is coming or going….Independence is a blessing and a curse
The first time I read this post, I had just given birth to my first baby. It completely changed the way I looked at my life. Instead of “Ugh! I can’t wait until he’s weaned!” when I got frustrated with breastfeeding, I began to tell myself “This is only temporary – and when it’s over, I’m going to miss it. There are things to enjoy about the next phase, sure, but I need to think about the things to enjoy about THIS phase, because it will be over soon.”
Sunday morning I was called out of church to get my suddenly sick baby from the nursery. When he saw me, he practically scrambled out of the nursery worker’s arms to get to me and then snuggled his teary-eyed face deep into my shoulder. In that moment, I wasn’t annoyed at having to miss church or freaked out that he was sick (I was concerned, sure, but not freaked out even though it was the first time he’s been sick) – I held him tight and sighed in contentment, because I know he won’t need me like that forever. So I’m going to savor every sweet moment that he needs his Mama.
of course this made me cry again. I think this post might move to my second favorite blog post you’ve ever written… right behind the one where BM laid down during his preschool performance. I pray and hope that I can be a mom just like you. I’m so glad I’m reading this before our daughter gets here. I don’t want to miss a thing or wish anything away. i want to cherish every single minute. Thank you
Thanks. I needed this reminder today.
I loved this post. Just beautiful. When my girls were little bitty babies people would say oh I can’t wait until they do …………… and I would say – oh no please don’t rush their lives away. I’m thankful to have my beautiful young women now – but I surely miss those days of newborn wonders.
I cried the first time I read this and I am crying again now! Thanks for putting this in perspective for me! You are such a blessing! Thank you Jennifer!
oh this gets me EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. thank you, thank you, thank you for again, putting things in perspective mckmama. you are such an encouragement and a blessing. and thanks, AGAIN, for making me cry at work, when i’m supposed to be, ya know, working!
it’s SO much more fun to read your blog though!!
southern love and prayers from alabama
There are so many times that I wish I could have a “do-over” when it comes to raising my kids and now that they are teenagers I wish I could have that time back to do things different. I have so many regrets that I didn’t take more time to read to them, play games and go outside…I know they have many good memories and it’s not that they didn’t have a good childhood, but I wish I would have had the patience to not get mad about all those things that really don’t matter…your children are so blessed to have you as a mom…thanks for sharing your insite with all of us…God Bless, Jana
Beautifully written!! I had this epiphany not that long ago as I was walking through the mall and saw teenage boys walking ahead of their Mom as to not be embarrassed by being seein with your MOM at the mall and then I looked down at my hand which my 6 year old was more than willing to hold and thanked God for what I have and I too realized that I will miss this…so in our house no I LOVE YOU goes unsaid and that includes my 19 year old, my 13 year old, and my “baby” 6 year old.
Thank you. I needed this reminder. I often time get so worked up over things that really don’t matter with my 2 year old. Things he does wrong and don’t even know their wrong, I get angry. I often times think of your original “I’m going to miss this” post, but today, I needed to hear it again! Thank, Mckmama, thank you!
thank you for this reminder. i try and think of this every single day. not only because i have a 2 year old in the midst of his “trying” days, but because we just lost twins at 9 weeks. after spending the past two years undergoing fertility treatments, just to have them taken away at our moment of joy is heartbreaking. but i have my son, who brings so much happiness to our lives and i want to remember these days always. can you share some of your patience with me though? =)
Enjoys those babies. This time is precious. But don’t forget–grandchildren will come along eventually, giving new opportunities to snuggle and cuddle. My three are grown, but they have multiplied and now I have five grandkids. The two babies are here now (napping).
I so very much agree with every word of this post. I well remember the days when my oldest three were 6, 3 and newborn, and thinking that I would never, ever survive! Those 3 are now married, with one wedding just four days ago — how did they get that old so fast?? God graciously blessed us with one more child when my then-youngest was nearly 10, so I still have a 11 year old in my house. And believe me, by that point, I had definitely gained the perspective of “I’m going to enjoy every minute of this”!! I know that it goes all too quickly……. Ladies, enjoy this season in your life. You WILL miss it, for sure.
This post brings tears streaming down my cheeks and I read the whole thing through every time! Thanks for the reminder!
Thank you for sending this along exactly when I needed it.
Thanks for the reminder! Great revised post. I remember reading the first one as well. It is hard to believe how fast time flies by. My “baby”started 3rd grade yesterday and I still just can’t get over how fast it has happened.
This was just so touching. My youngest son leaves for college this weekend, my other two sons are grown 28 and 22. Oh yes, you will miss it, as I was buying all of his college things, I kept thinking back to the days when all three of them would be running around the store with me, an I could feel an ache in my heart. I am looking forward to grandchildren etc., and you get to experience a whole new world with them as they do grow and become adults but, yes, treasure these days when they are little…..
I think that’s why I squeeze my 5 year old daughter so much, she’s the last of my ‘babies’ and those were such wonderful (albeit tiring) times!
Absolutely beautifully true. Thank you for the reminder! I have 2 and one on the way, and I find myself forgetting to enjoy them now. Such a shame and a mockery to motherhood to do such. I am going to miss this stuff, too.
So very true! Thank you for the reminder. Sometimes I need it!
I needed that more than anything at this EXACT moment. Thank you!
This post hit its target with me. Thank you so much for sharing your philosophy.
I’ve just two, still young though both school age, and I live feeling as though time can pass too slowly with them, but yet knowing it’s indeed too quickly as I watch them grow. I try to relish these years, because one day I’ll look back and miss being needed like I am now. I’m gonna miss this: My new mantra. I’ve got to let that affect my life.
Beautiful post.
Taking the time to appreciate life with your childrens allow you not to miss these days!
I can tell you that because my 5 children are 24 to 29 years old…
There is a time for every thing under the sky…
I really don’t miss anything!I loved all of it and I love the life I have now!
Yes, i think the answer is just to enjoy the present moments of your life.!
This is a beautiful post. I have 5 children (oldest is 8, youngest is due late December) and I already see how fast time has flown. I don’t want to wish away my days either and this is sucha beautiful reminder to be present and appreciate this special time. I’m gonna miss this too!
Jennifer, God bless you for writing this post. My “baby” is now 41, and every time I hold a newborn, my arms instantly “remember” holding him–and I am engulfed in sweet joy once again. Your words are so true…”in all things give thanks.” A wonderful reminder that we can easily wish our lives away by not savoring today. Thank you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. It’s lovely to be reminded of this, it’s also lovely knowing that I’m not the only mother who feels tired too.
I do miss that….thought I never would at the time. My first born had his first day of college yesterday and my baby girl is driving and just started her junior year in High school. Oh my how much easier it was back then. Wished someone would have reminded me to enjoy it more!
cried the first time i read this… and it was no different this time. thanks again for the much needed reminder of how quickly they leave us. off to hug and kiss my boys!
Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I was up multiple times with my 8 month old last night and definitely needed to read this!
Crying my eyes out! I needed that, I have 3 under 3 my youngest is 7 weeks old and some days are TOUGH but I try and remember I WILL miss even the tough day. Thank you as always for a beautiful post!
p.s. im saving this to my favorites bar for a quick reminder while in a midst of a momma melt down.
Weeping as I read this. My first-born just returned home from many months of living and serving the Lord across the world, my second-born (of 6) leaves in 6 days going the opposite direction (also across the world) to live in a hard place to share the love of Jesus . Neither had ever left home before (I homeschooled them and they both lived at home while commuting to college). They were ready–I grieve(d)–but not with regrets for any of the moments I have had to love, cuddle, read to, teach, play with, sing with and enjoy my precious child(ren). I DO remember the hard days when my children were small and I miss them fiercely. However, they have grown and are growing into wonderful young adults (oldest 26 to youngest 13) and I still enjoy them. Be blessed and always be grateful for how the Lord provides for you in your children.
best. post. ever….. again.
thank you thank you thank you. i’m posting it on my blog so i can always have it to read!
I don’t have little ones, I have friends who do and watching them I know they can relate. I babysat through highschool and those that I babysat for are now graduating high school and driving and it’s odd to think I helped them learn to walk and read to them. Time really does go so fast. This is one of my favorite posts that you’ve written, my very favorite though is still the one you wrote when you were in the hospital before Stellan was born and you very simply and specifically outlined what your faith is. In my own life I realize that I have to appreciate what I have now and not wish this time away, perhaps it’s human nature to always think about well when I have this, or when this happens, instead of appreciating the gifts that God has already blessed us with.
I have sadly entered the stage where I DO MISS IT! This school year, I will have TWO middle schoolers and my sweet baby (who is almost 6) will go to kindergarten in the morning. I have tried to love each one intentionally every day, but suddenly you blink and a part of their childhood is gone. While I still have a several years left with them in my home, I can see the end of their time living with us ahead, and it is heartbreaking…and exciting at the same time. Hold on young mamas, it seems like forever, but goes SO QUICKLY. My mom said this past mother’s day that she would give anything for us to be little again just for one day…and we are 52, 48, 38(in heaven) and I am 37. It made me so sad, because I know that I will be thinking about that sooner than I think.
God’s timing is amazing. I can’t put into words how “down’ I’ve been feeling lately with all the things going on in our home…kiddos, work at home, hubby working long hours, pregnant, physical pains with this pregnancy…etc. I have a feeling you may understand some of it
I think I was at the end of my rope when I read your post this morning and I just sat there and cried. Thank you! Thank you for re-posting this. I remember the other post, but this couldn’t have come at a better time.
I hope you don’t mind, but I blogged about it as well and linked to your post.
I really admire and look up to you as a mom and wife as well as the struggles you’ve been able to overcome in your marriage. You have been an inspiration and God has used your testimony to encourage me in my marriage. I wish I could “pick your brain” on so many things!
Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you! Sorry this is a little long too
It turned into a “book”.
Hands down, this is the best post you have ever written.
As mothers, we so often get caught up with our never-ending to-do lists, and forget this very important message: someday, we ARE gonna miss this.
Thanks for the reminder, Jennifer!
very inspiring post. loved it the first time, and echoing what others said, i liked it even better the second time! you are a very patient mom and i can see that in the joy on your kids faces in the photos you post and hear it in your voice on the videos that you share.
you are a very good role model for us mom’s!
If there is no other reason for your blog to exist, this post is it! In less than one week, my youngest will be going to kindergarten. Oh, how it was just yesterday that he was tiny and helpless! Now he’s going to kindergarten. Uh! Can we hit the pause button?!?!
Thank you for this beautiful post on being present. Our lives are full of beautiful moments that float into beautiful memories when we stay fully present ias those moments happen. This morning, I sat at my kitchen table and watched God’s morning gift of a summer sunrise. Life is full of “I’m going to miss this” moments. Thanks for sharing yours!
I’m sitting here with tears rolling my cheeks and I can’t seem to find the words to express how thankful I am that I got to read this while my boys are still little. Thank you for writing this.
I needed to read this again. I have patience all day long but when it comes to bedtime…I am so ready to clock out after story time and tucking in and hugs and kisses. Lately my son has been having a hard time going to bed alone. He WILL NOT go to bed alone. I have to either lay down with him which I am trying to put a stop to, or sit out in the hallway. He is 3. While I would like nothing better than to lay down with him every night, I know this is not a good thing for him. We had to lay down with my step daughter till she was 10 or 11. Then we started sitting in her room and kind of worked our way out….Anyway, I get so angry and aggravated and I know this doesn’t help him at all. This has helped me to refocus. I try every day to remember every little thing and cherish every little moment good and bad. I have had some health challenges that were very scary with my son and we thought we might lose him so I know how important he is and what a gift children are and I got a small not taste but maybe a smell of what empty arms could feel like. I feel just the same as you. I shouldn’t want my days to end or be glad they are over. EVER. Thank you for rewriting this today.
I don’t know if you have heard of this book or not but it is called “Let Me Hold You Longer” by Karen Kingsbury. I cannot get through it without cryingmy eyes out. But it just talks about how if she had known that at that point in time it would be the last time she rocked her son she would have rocked him longer and talks about things like that. It is so true. We just never know when the last time will be that we do something. Our babies grow up so fast. Not to mention we also have no control over what life throws at us. So my prayer tonight is that all mommies take a moment to refocus and remember how special their children are and how special they are to their children and how it doesn’t last forever……breathe it all in.
oh my, that book “let me hold you longer” is such a tear jerker!!!!!!!!!!! SO TRUE tho!
I just read it again on the day my sister took my nephew to college a few weeks ago. GUTWRENCHING!
Thank you for re-posting this! I remember reading it the first time and being thankful for the reminder to slow down a bit and enjoy all the wonderful opportunities being a mother brings. This story makes me think of the childrens’ book, “Love You Forever”. If you have not read it, you should do so. As a mother of two boys, it is one of my favorite books ever and literally makes me choke up whenever I read it! Also, having 3 kids ages 21, 16 and 3, I can tell you that you will cherish all of their different stages. While it is hard to watch them get older and become more independent, it is also so incredibly rewarding to see what fantastic, mature human beings they grow into. I love the deep, thoughtful conversations my 21 year old son and I have now, and watching my daughter blossom into a young lady….just as much as I love the snuggle time with my 3 year old and his beloved Peter Rabbit!!
I hold this image in my mind when they all start squawking at once. There’s not need to be hasty with one just because some one else is being demanding. Then I do my best to be in the moment with the babe I’m with and then take care of the next.
I still do see naptime and bedtime as major accomplishments not unlike the finish line of a marathon but I do appreciate the fact that it is the intesity of the race that makes the finish line so rewarding.
I remember reading this post the first time around and tonight it seems to resonate even more as I hold my 7 week old baby boy. I know there are plenty of days when I am home with him and my 2 1/2 year old girl that I stop and think how lucky I am even to have children to drive me crazy. You put it into words exactly how I feel and how I try to live my life as a mother. Why I chose to stay home with our children. You just can’t get these years back and I don’t want to miss a thing or look back on any of this time and regret. Thank you so much for the reminder
YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW TRULY MUCH YOU WILL MISS THIS! My three are grown and gone and hubby and I sit alone at the table and talk about all the kids talking at once, how it seemed someone spilled something at every meal…our children were well behaved in public but at home they were kids and we loved every minute of it!. Our refrigerator was covered with magnets holding art, school picture notices and sign ups for Little League.
Treasure every single day and make a special memory of it. I taught my children to think about smells…of course, with a son he seemed to remember poop, nursing homes and dog poo he stepped in but hey, I got lots of laughs out of his memories.
I read this and instantly my eyes filled with tears. I had this feeling of overwhelming tiredness and stress as my youngest (2) wanted me to read another bedtime story. This would be the third story and my mind was worried about my shower and how I had things to do before I went to bed. I told him that it was bedtime and mommy had other stuff to do. I saw his eyes and when he said mommy please….it hit me as well. I’m going to wish I had him here on my lap wanting to be with me when he is 16 and driving and dating! It made me realize that one more story wasn’t such a big deal…it was one more time of making a memory before bed
Thank you so much for rewriting and reposting this – it cannot be said enough, and is such a great reminder for me.
I love my moments as a mama… thank you for making me feel normal… for allowing me to see another mama who is consumed by her children’s every moments… I don’t have long with my little man, and we will add to our family one day and it will never be just the three of us again… so thank you for giving me just one more reason to eat all of this up like cake! Praise Jesus for such sweet days!
You touched my heart, the heart I forgot I was given, my mama heart. The one that I sometimes bury deep because I think everything else is more important than my babies…gosh, not even babies anymore.
Thank you for spilling your heart in the hopes that someone like me would read it and remember why we prayed so hard for the babies we have, no one could have said it any better….I too and gonna miss this…
Far and away the best post you have ever written. Ever. Really. The best.
Oh Jen! You have me bawling! This is exactly what I needed to hear/read tonight. This last week has been so very tough with all that is happening with the autistic child and the other two typical ones. I have been ready to throw in the towel. You’re right, I don’t wanna miss this!
I’m glad you don’t want to throw in the towel, but I understand that feeling! You can do this! I believe God gives us glimpses like this every so often so that we can hang in there. I’m so thankful that this post was one such glimpse for you. Thank you for sharing.
Shari, I have the same set up as you. My oldest has Autism, the two younger do not. I feel the same way! You are not alone. I know you didn’t say that you felt alone…I guess I’m responding to my own feelings with that statement. I should have said, ‘I’m not alone”.
Shari and Amber, my middle son has autism and my oldest and youngest are typically developing children. I know how you both feel. I feel like it takes everything in me just to make it through the day. But, you are right, Shari…we are not alone. God walks this road with us. Thanks, Jen for this post.
Had all ours home for the summer and they didn’t hide in their rooms or ask for $. They spent time with the family and loved on younger sibs still home and enjoyed their own space some. The ‘snuggle days’ do go fast – so do the days when all are home after leaving for college…but you are raising family to be family, some things will always be important and well lived among your bunch.
I. LOVED. This. Seriously Jen…. You are SUCH an inspiration to me and soooo many others. I look up to you so much, and I don’t even know you! I read your blog daily. And to be completely honest, you have really helped me learn more patience which I feel has really helped me become a better mother. I have a 2 1/2 yr. old and a 10 month old, both little boys. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Never forget how amazing you are. Your Husband and children are all beyond lucky to have you as a wife and mother.
-Marci
Thank you for those amazingly sweet words, Marci. I don’t deserve them, really. Any good that I do as a person or a mother comes from God helping me do it. Left to my own devices, I’d be utterly wretched. But still, your words were so sweet and I thank you.
You are SO welcome! And yes, you DO deserve all of them, from everybody. You are so blessed
And I highly doubt you would be “Utterly wretched” No way! Again, thank you for all of the inspiration you give me! Have a wonderful night!
I have a sweet 3yo girl here on earth and three sweet babes in heaven. Even though our losses, which have all happened separately within a recent 9-month period, make me that much more grateful for my daughter and my time with her, I still needed to read this tonight. I have no doubt it was God’s timing for you to write it and me to read it. So, praise Him for that! And thank you for an awesome reminder to cherish these fleeting moments. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Yes, He has His timing about everything, including reading and writing blog posts. So thankful that He blessed you and I am so sorry for your losses. I appreciate you being willing to share with me! Hugs to your little girl for us!
This is exactly what I needed to hear tonight. Thank you!!!! Whew! I’m going to bed now and pray that I just breath and enjoy my children more. Thank you!
And now I’m crying… It is sooo easy to get caught up in the day-to-day busyness of taking care of lots of little ones (only three for me so far!), but you are so right. I know when they’re big kids and don’t want to be cuddled and hugged and don’t think I’m the coolest person ever anymore! It makes me want to go hug them in their beds right now!
Loved it the second time as well. Thanks for the reminder. It matters to the kids too, they’ll know. Listen to Taylor Swift’s song The Best Day. It’s about a girl who knows her mom is there for her. Makes me cry every time because I hope I’m doing everything I can to show my kids how important they are, and one day I am gonna miss all of this.
Well said and a great reminder of what is truly important in life. Time, quality time spent with your child. I struggle almost daily trying to meet everyones needs(mom of 4, wife to 1!) that sometimes I miss out on those moments to hug, hold, play and laugh. I usually don’t realize what I missed until the end of the day. Thankful for a new day to try to be in the moment. Such a terrific reminder!! Thanks a bunch for sharing!!
you. are. so. right.
thanks for the reminder.
My favorite post you have ever written! Thanks for sprucing it up, and posting it again. I will go to sleep with tears tonight, but not before I go into my sleeping 11 month old’s room, and listen to his gentle breathing, stroke his soft baby hair, and kiss his sweet baby cheek.
I remember the first time you posted this one and it’s even better the second time around. Thanks for the reminder, sometimes it’s easy to forget how fleeting our time is with our sweet ones. They do grow up so fast….
PS. I let my 3 year old fall asleep on the couch with me rubbing her back tonight instead of making her go to bed alone…
wouldn’t it be awesome it we could just cuddle up with our kids every night and go to sleep!
my 3 year old kept crying for me to lay with him after i put him to bed last nite too…. i am SO glad i went back in and did just that. it was only for about 5 minutes, but like jen’s post said “leave childhood behind w/ no regrets…” there are many nights i would have sent my husband in to make him lay down!!
I just had an experience like this tonight! My 3yr old turned on the waterworks so that I would lay with her…and even though I knew she was forcing the tears, I told her 2 min and I laid down and she curled up and nestled her head in my neck. Oh, it was so sweet. And it didn’t matter that she was kinda manipulating me, she just wanted me. And I wanted her!
you have no idea how much i needed to read this post tonite. i am not a patient mom. i only have 1 daughter. i do get upset about the macaroni on the floor, the clothes strewn on the floor and the attitude i get after a hard days work. i have prayed for patience but have not fallen at His feet. this post has me on my knees, face on the floor, begging for patience.
i don’t want to miss this anymore and i won’t.
thank you.
Amy, I will pray for some peace for you and for some patience.
thank you leesa!
i will pray for you as well, that God would help you to be patient in all that you do.
oh amy, i am not a patient mom either. add me to that prayer
i really think i have a touch of OCD… not a great character trait w/ 2 little ones. like yesterday, i got extremely impatient w/ my son for not shooting his pee right in the toilet!
val i am praying for you as well. Lord grant us patience! i went thru the house last nite with a white board marker and wrote,”i’m gonna miss this” on all of my mirrors. post-its of every color decorate the walls!
thank you iris!
Wow. I think this is my favorite post you have ever written!
It is so profound yet so simple. I’m not a mother yet, but I just finished high school, and this is something I want to remember. Someday I wont be in this place of my life, I wont be a “kid” and I know that those days are coming soon. And when I am a wife and mother, I hope and know that this too will be my mantra – I’m gonna miss this.
Thank you Jen!!
Love Ashley McCuen
THANK YOU!! I SO needed to hear this tonight. My patience has been so short lately and this is exactly what I needed.. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
This could not have been written more beautifully. It is so true. And something I need to remember more often. Today I had a rough day with my kiddos, and was thinking “what is going to happen when there is one more added to the mix here in 5 months?”. I need to start remembering to live in the moment and for the moment, instead of stressing out. Thank you so much for your wonderful reminder.
Thank you so very much for this post. I certainly needed to hear it. I am a mother to a 3.5 year old boy and a 22 month old girl. I certainly have those I am tired moments. My husband has been deployed for 8.5 months, and to say I am tired is an understatement. Your story certainly puts things into perspective. I know in few short years my darling babies will be all grown, and I will be wishing for the sweet tired days again. Time goes by so quickly. Thank you so very much for reminding us mom’s to never take a moment for granted.
Thank you, thank you, thank you…I’m pregnant with number 4 on the way…it’s been a looooong, hot Summer and I’m exhausted. My 9 year old has ADHD, he doesn’t take one breath or break during the day…he’s incredibly smart and creative, and such a blessing, but it wears me out just watching him for 5 minutes. Sometimes, I wonder how God ever thought I could handle all this. But, I know God’s plan is far greater than mine, and I’m thankful. So glad I read this just before bedtime, I’m going to spend some time in prayer…I need to be more appreciate of my blessings, mainly my about to be 4 children…I already do miss my oldest being a baby, and the others are just going to follow…so, thanks again, for helping me remember not to take the bedtime stories, and songs, and endless conversations about silly things for granted…I want to remember this post…I want to remember to cherish every precious moment spent with my babies!!!
Last night I prepared a big meal for my family of 6 (4 kids 6 and under). About 5 minutes into the meal we had one baby crying, one toddler hurt, one child complaining, and my husband and I just sighed and looked at each other. Then he said, “You know, we’re gonna miss this. Twenty years from now when we’re by ourselves in the peace and quiet, we’re gonna miss this.” It hit me like a ton of bricks, and I realized how right he was! I WILL miss this! It made me want to grab my four littles and squeeze them and never let them go. It’s amazing to me that you posted about this tonight! Thank you!
I read this post a while back and it helped me so much. I have three small kids and when things are getting chaotic, or I’m really tired, I try so hard to sit back and remember “I’m gonna miss this” Your post helped me find a balance. It’s okay if the laundry doesn’t get done, and it’s okay if the house isn’t spotless, it’s even okay if I don’t manage to shower until my husband gets home from work. What matters is that I take every opportunity to kiss and hug and love my babies. They’re going to be grown up and out the door way faster than I’m prepared for, so thanks for making me see, I’m gonna miss this!
You couldn’t have said it better. I lost my 2nd son 15 months ago on the day he was to be born. His heart stopped beating before he left my womb. I would give ANYTHING to hold that child in my arms just one more time, so I do not take the moments with my 3 year old for granted any longer nor will I with our 3rd son due in a mere 7 weeks. I know all too well what it is like to miss holding your babe.
Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this. I try very, very hard to do this very same thing…but lately, it’s been hard. So, thank you for this reminder. Tomorrow, I’ll hug my kids a little longer, answer on the first “Mama?”, and soak them in…
Excuse me now, while I go dry my eyes…
I am right there with you Mama.
Good, sweet tears.
Love this post and have always operated under the same philosophy!
Sidenote: I always notice Sam’s banner… what’s the story with this? Has he found a family yet? Do you have any updates on him? Every time I see his banner I say a prayer for the little guy, and I was just wondering about him
Thank you. I was rocking and loving on my 8 week old last night and heard my other 4 young ones downstairs, ready to be diapered and put to bed, but I thought that same thing “I’m gonna miss this” and I shut her door- and kept on rocking! It was heaven and I always be glad I spent those few extra precious moments rocking my newborn. I even blogged about it after- so when she’s a sassy teenager, I won’t forget that wonderful time that we spent together.
Hi Jen. This is Cathy Manley. I won the gift card for the jewlrey but I have sudden brain freeze and for the life of me I can not remember your e-mail address. I feel so stupid. Now you can probably understand why I had to cancel 2 appts…lol. I am just having one of those weeks.
Thank you so much. Your gift came at a time when I really needed something to make me smile. I hope you read this.
My e-mail is glsfn@hotmail.com
Love to all of you!
I found your e-mailI found your e-mail address. Now, I am sitting here crying my eyes out. I lost my son and you are right. I would cut off both arms to be able to hold him one more time. Those babies will grow in a blink of an eye. You are a great mom. I know I say that all of the time but you really are. I was the same way with mine. I still rather spend all day with my daughter then spend one minute away….and she is 25. She has two babies of her own. One is 3 and the other is 8 months old. We spend every day together. She mothers her babes just like you and i….But, is there any other way…:)
I too read this post with tears. There’s a country song called “you’re gonna miss this” or something close to that. Its about a girl growing up and people telling her she is going to miss these days as well. My 2 kids are 8 and almost 11 and I too can’t remember where these years have gone. My cousin just had her 1st child start high school and I know mine are soon there too. Thank you for such a beautiful post.
I loved this the first time you posted it and I still love it. It’s an excellent reminder that these days do go all-too-quickly.
I agree! Enjoy it!
After reading your words, with teary eyes, I went into my kids bedroom to give a kiss and hug. I don’t care that I woke one of them up and I was the one that hugged several times.
My days of rocking might soon be over. My heart hurts over that… please, please enjoy those little ones who want (and need!) the rocking, the singing, the cuddling so much.
I blinked and my twins are 8. I don’t know where those 8 years went but they’re gone.
You brought tears to my eyes… my middle one just asked me “to lay down wif me” tonight and even though I’m exausted and ready to call it quits for the evening, I laid down with him. All he wanted was a moment of my time before he drifted off…