This past week my youngest hit a big milestone. She was officially moved from a car seat into a high-backed booster seat. She was so excited and watched happily as I wrestled the mammoth car seat out of her seat. I am pretty sure it wasn't just held in there with the safety latch system but also a thick layer of McDonald's french fries, spilled drinks, and crayons. In true wrestling with car seat fashion my neck and shoulder got a charlie horse in it just attempting to wrestle it out. I smiled to myself as it tweaked with pain because I thought I won't be doing this anymore!
No more car seats. No more carrying a bucket seat in one arm with a sleeping infant and the other arm holding on to an overflowing diaper bag. No more sitting in the van quietly while the baby sleeps just a little longer and I fall asleep in the front seat. No more arms stretched back rocking the car seat with an inconsolable crying baby. No more babies. I feel like I have enjoyed every single moment of my kids. But I was the parent who would roll my eyes when people would say, "you are gonna miss this." Maybe because every time someone would say that phrase they would say it at such a low point like when you are covered with puke, poop, pee or any other projectile. Or maybe when a tantrum had started. They always seemed to use it in such bad timing. Who would miss those things? But there are moments I tear up at thinking, "This. This I will miss." Late night rocking sessions when the house is quiet. The perfect way your baby curls up in that sweet spot between your neck and chest. The first coo, smile, giggle, any basically any wonderful baby sound. Toddler giggles and creative playtime. I have had a car seat in my car for 11 years between my 4 kids. Now the van seems a little emptier. I will miss it (once it is properly latched in place and my neck and shoulder relax.) I have found myself looking at my kids this week and wondering where the time has went. I have had a special moment with each of them and I think oh how my heart longs to hold on to them at this age they are at. Mommas when life gets to be a little too much, look at these wonderful creatures you have and cherish this time. We are so privileged to be raising the next generation. Yes they can be hard sometimes and there may be times you don't miss. But please slow down for a second and enjoy the moments. It truly does go too fast.
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