I am so in love with my children.
There are times when things settle down, when the crying subsides, when the whining takes a break, and I can simply enjoy the presence of my children. We’re entering an “easier” season of parenthood, sure to be followed by a hard one. But I don’t want to worry about that. I just want to enjoy. Things are still crazy, still hectic, still messy, but either it’s getting better, or I’ve just adjusted my outlook and am better able to cope. Either way, it’s a blessing.
Daily, sometimes hourly tantrums have gone to weekly. Constant monitoring has gone to frequent sideways glances (as I hear a bowl of dry Cheerios spill in the next room). Things aren’t easy, but they’re easier. I’m only getting up once a night (if I’m lucky) instead of 3-4 times. A little more well rested, a little more predictability, and it makes a BIG difference. Like yesterday. I was able to take my children to the park and just let them play. I was right there, of course, but the toddler was able to move freely about the equipment, chasing her big sister. It was as if all the parts of parenting were distilled down to this one beautiful moment in time. The weather was glorious, their laughter echoed off a nearby metal building, and it was…one of the fondest memories I’ll have of their childhood.
My preschooler, jacket strewn on the tiny playground pebbles, climbed and ran and played make believe in her slick new cowgirl boots, blonde curls framing and sticking to her sweaty face. My toddler followed close behind, keeping up in her sparkly Dora shoes a size too big, diapered bottom still waddling a bit. I stood for a moment, a light breeze tracing its finger along the back of my neck, and took a deep breath. “I am SO in love with my children,” I whispered, with emotion so loud the love bouncing off the metal building that projected the echoes of their laughter.
I took in their bodies in motion, brains soaking in a new experience, hearts beating together as sisters, family. My oldest daughter has become both more independent and more affectionate, making for a lovely combination. She’s grown five inches in the last six months, quite literally, sprouting right before our eyes. And the youngest has become both more coordinated and more cautious, meaning she can easily scale the playground equipment and I no longer fear her (purposefully) taking a head dive off the highest point. And her language has exploded. She claps for her own accomplishments, and tells herself, “Job! Job!” (Good job.) She cocks her head at tiny puppies, pretty Christmas lights, and other aesthetically-pleasing things saying, “Awwwww…..cute.”
I love my children. I love my children. I am SO in love with my children.
Thank you for capturing in words one of life’s indescribable joys.
As your mother, I am proud of you and proud of your girls.
Savor these moments, store them up, and draw on them as you advance through the years. Life is indeed good. Momma
This was such a touching story. You are a lovely young woman who takes after her lovely, wonderful mother.
Thank you Terri. It’s important for me to focus on the positive, or the tantrums, messes and whining nearly do me in! 🙂
Janet, you have truly done a wonderful job of raising your own precious little girl. Your heart must be filled with joy, as you now watch her doing a wonderful job as the mother of her own little girls.
Well, that’s so sweet of you Joyce. And you’re right, my mom is wonderful. More than I deserve. 🙂
Of all the comments I ever get on my blog, I most treasure the ones from you. Love you momma!
Cat, you touched my heart so much. You brought tears to my eyes. As I read each word, I thought of my own little girl Jennifer, now 32. I fondly remember moments as you have described, from nearly 30 years ago. Now Jennifer has her own child-Brendan Max, age 13. Jennifer sometimes laments her plight of raising a very bright teenager, with typical teenage woes. But she will get through, as will you. The precious moments you write about now, will help you to survive the later, more difficult, times to come. At the age of 54, and now with serious health issues, I don’t know if I’ll have the blessing of watching Brendan grow into adulthood. But I will always have cherished memories of watching my own little girl grow up. Now I am blessed with the opportunity to watch her little boy growing up. What you are now experiencing, will sustain you through all of the difficult times of raising two precious little girls and on into the winter years of your life.
Joyce, isn’t is amazing how tough times can make the fruit of life so much sweeter? My prayer is that you’re able to experience these blessings for many years to come.