Not to long ago I posted about "Things I Will Not Miss When My Kids Grow Up". On that day, I was having..."one of those days"...a bad day. I have to say I still agree with most of it. That's why I like this blogging thing so much. It is a good way to vent my frustrations when I've had one of those days. My blog is a great sounding board. However, with a little perspective and a some sadness that my baby is already 14 months, I am challenged to remind myself of what I will miss when my children leave home. When I've had one of those frustrating, provoking, and exhausting days I will try remember the things I will miss most..
Their sweet little sleeping faces and bodies contorted into crazy, uncomfortable positions
That sweet little sigh they make in their sleep
Their need for you to kiss every little boo-boo and make it all better
Sticky, sweet kisses from dirty little faces
The sound of their laughter
The silly jokes, songs and dances they compose to entertain you
Homemade birthday cards
The expressions and mannerisms that remind you someone else in the family
The creative games they come up with that make you want to play along
Their belief in do-overs
The fierce manner in which they protect and stand up for their siblings, family, and friends
Their black and white understanding of right and wrong
Their complete innocence
Their simple, unquestioning faith
Funny mispronunciations, misspellings, and misunderstandings
Overheard conversations between brothers and sisters who really do love each other, despite what they want you to believe
The everyday beauty and joy they find in ordinary things
The absolute love, adoration, and devotion they have for a new baby brother or sister. . .
Their being able to point out and get excited about planes, trains, trucks, buses, trees, cows, bugs and animals of all kinds, trees and flowers, etc. Life is full of so many very exciting things to which we have simply grown numb
The joy of success at a new somersault.
The way their eyes light up when I come in to get them up from sleeping (well at least the little ones)
So much more. . .
They change and grow so fast. I just don't want to fail to notice them. Someone once told me that being a parent involves loving a moving target. They grow up way too fast. For today, I will be happy with the present!
