If you are a mom of little children, I know you are weary. But I wonder if you might, for just a moment, imagine what it will be like when your littles are big.
Oh, I know you long for that day and the freedom you imagine it will afford. And yes, there are new-found freedoms when our children are older, but you will also find that you yearn for the special moments of their early years.
For some strange reason, as I sit here, I have been swept up in a wave of longing … for the old familiar, for the sweet memories of days gone by. Uncomplicated, sweet, daily, seemingly inconsequential and un-magnificent little wisps of wonder with little ones that can easily go unappreciated. Memories like:
- 1. Sweet sleeping noises over an intercom.
- 2. Nightly baths and the “get ready for bed” togetherness routine.
- 3. Creating masterpieces with sidewalk chalk.
- 4. Reading the same book over and over and over and over and over.
- 5. That wee little face that lights up when I walk into a room.
- 6. “Can I have a glass of water?” (Really, I miss it!)
- 7. Waking up to someone crawling in bed with us.
- 8. Matchbox cars being driven up my legs and parked on my belly.
- 9. Having dozens of hair bows lovingly placed in my hair.
- 10. Joining in on a pots and pans band!
- 11. Making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
- 12. Washing their hair.
- 13. Blowing bubbles … lots and lots of bubbles.
- 14. Frequently-lavished butterfly kisses, accompanied by a very close up, soft, ear tickling whisper: “I love you so so much, Mama!”
- 15. Going on long walks while dodging a big wheel and a small bike.
- 16. Washing tiny dishes.
- 17. Having little forks and spoons in the cutlery drawer.
- 18. Sippy cups.
- 19. Working puzzles … lots of puzzles.
- 20. Coloring.
- 21. Playing hide and go seek.
- 22. Bringing home stacks of books from the library.
- 23. Being told how “adorable” my children are.
- 24. Washing and folding tiny little socks, shorts, shirts, blankies – all of it, really.
- 25. Hearing nightly “Now I lay me down to sleep…”
- 26. Cuddling on the couch and watching Tom and Jerry cartoons.
- 27. Building towers tall.
- 28. Little hands trying hard to tie little shoes.
- 29. Shrieks when Daddy pulls into the driveway.
- 30. Messy beds that can’t quite be made up just right.
- 31. “Mom, can we snuggle?”
- 32. Playing peek a boo, repeatedly!
- 33. Messy linen closets.
- 34. Arts and crafts.
- 35. After doing our errands, going to the toy store – just for fun!
- 36. Kissing boo boos.
- 37. Hearing, “I did it by my big self!”
- 38. Little hands folded in prayer.
- 39. Cherub lips that freely give kisses.
- 40. Belly laughs and endless giggles.
- Heavy sigh.
- Moms … enjoy every moment and be filled with gratitude for the gift of mom life.
We really do have the best ever fringe benefits!
Copyright ©2013 by Tracey Eyster. All rights reserved.
