I remember times when I kept saying to myself "I can't wait till they get older". It seemed that the only way to get a break was wait till they were all in bed. The constant fighting and picking up toys really gets to you after a while. When my first was born it wasn't bad. Then came the second and it was a bit harder with two kids running around in different directions. By the time the fourth arrived forget it. I gave up! There is no way to keep this house half way decent. If company arrives unannounced guess what? They are going to see the mess and there is no way out of it.
Today when I took my daughter to school I watched as she ran to her friends to chit chat before school started. Then it hit me. I really don't have babies anymore (sob). She looked so big standing their in her group of friends. Mind you she is only 6 and in Kindergarten. It got me thinking. Who told them they could grow up! My youngest is 3 and is a very independent little one. Even when it comes to getting breakfast unless it requires cooking he only lets me watch. I only get to help if he asks me to. I never considered how it would feel to realize they really don't need mommy for everything anymore.
I remember when none of the kids could reach the counters and I was the one who got the snacks and the cups. It was me who had to get the toy on the top shelf. Now my oldest helps me when I can't reach stuff. He is the one that says "I'll get it mom". He no longer is wearing kids clothes recently growing in to 29x30's (he likes them baggy) and wearing size 8 1/2 in men's shoes. Where has the time gone? It was like yesterday I showed them how to tie their shoes.
As I continued with my errands I thought "I only have 5 more years with my first born before he goes off to start his life". How can I properly prepare them for everything waiting ahead in such a short time? Life goes by so quick and you never even realize it. Now I wish they were still babies. I want them to need me more. I feel like I am watching from the sidelines.
Cherish every moment with your children. The good and the bad. I know that in the moment you feel like it will not get any better, but it does get better. Those times you were at your wits end and you just wanted to sit and cry will be the times you look back at and laugh. Time does not stop for you or anyone else and once it's gone you can never get it back.
Great post! You made me cry! It does go by so quickly but it is really hard when they are toddlers getting into everything not to wish it away!
ReplyDeleteFunny thing last night as my 12 yr old was putting on a show for us, he is a ham...I was thinking man he is almost as tall as me, where did my little boy go! I still have the two younger ones but time does fly and we do need to cherish the time, the moments, because they do slip by. We have an 18 yr old too that is all grown and barely wants anything to do with us now. Makes me sad.
ReplyDeleteI so know the feeling. Even though my kids are only 7 and 5, my youngest will be starting Kindergarten in the fall, and it's bitter sweet. Time flies, and it makes me kind of sad :(
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ReplyDeleteI dread that day when I realize my babies are't babies anymore :( I've gone through that with most of mine already but still have a 1 year old and baby on the way and I know it will be harder as those last ones grow up. But at the same time, it will be exciting to see the young adults they become :) So bittersweet.
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