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.
