Snap. And that was that. My three year old had just dressed himself head to toe. Underpants, shirt even turned around correctly, and jeans buttoned and zipped.
My heart snapped too, at the thought he no longer needed me to dress him anymore. Sure he’ll still need help with more difficult pieces….but not for long.
At breakfast he climbed up onto my lap. And had to curl his legs under to fit on my lap. My arms stretched stretched far around to contain all of his gangling legs and arms, never still, always growing right out of my arms.
“You can do it, honey,” I hear myself saying as he asked for help with his spoon. I have to restrain my impulse to keep doing things for him. I know I’m really doing them for me. Just one more time feeding him a bite, one more pretending he needs my help walking up the stairs.
I am happy he’s growing into a cheerful (mostly!), independent boy right on schedule. That there’s no delay in his abilities. There are tired mothers who wish they didn’t have to diaper their seven year old or dress their nine year old.
Still… three years of having him as my baby… I’m having a very hard time letting go… of seeing him inch by inch, slowly growing out of my arms and into his own…
Motherhood is (can be!) so beautiful… we get to watch these lovely beings, tiny humans, find their wings and fly… No. More beautiful still is we have a hand in shaping and strengthening their tiny wings…
Early motherhood can also be so hard. The crying, feeding, not sleeping, constant carrying… it gets draining…
Still… I find it a constant struggle to not just cry (nearly daily) over the passage of my first baby into a young boy… I know I should (and I do!) take joy in his growth, but find myself wishing for my baby back…
Is it like this for all moms or are some moms much more excited and ready to see their kids move past the baby phase and into “childhood”? Am I being overly emotional about this?
A year ago (roughly):
Now:
Anonymous
Monday 22nd of July 2013
I'm so glad every time my child grows out of a stage! When you have a special needs child and they make one tiny step forward there's no bittersweet. It's just relief and joy. Feel thankful if your children are doing things at a typical pace. There are some of us who worry if our child will ever speak let alone be able to dress themselves.
Anonymous
Monday 22nd of July 2013
I'm so glad every time my child grows out of a stage! When you have a special needs child and they make one tiny step forward there's no bittersweet. It's just relief and joy. Feel thankful if your children are doing things at a typical pace. There are some of us who worry if our child will ever speak let alone be able to dress themselves.
Crunchy Beach Mama
Tuesday 16th of July 2013
Amazing how much they grow in such a short time. Not just in height but ability and the way their minds work. I think we'll always be emotional no matter what age. um I have a middle schooler this year. I still don't believe it.
Crunchy Beach Mama
Tuesday 16th of July 2013
Amazing how much they grow in such a short time. Not just in height but ability and the way their minds work. I think we'll always be emotional no matter what age. um I have a middle schooler this year. I still don't believe it.
Rachel H.
Tuesday 9th of July 2013
I feel the same way! My first baby is 5 now and starting Kindergarten! I feel like I blinked and suddenly he grew up. My 15 month old is not making it easier because I feel like he grew up even faster! Motherhood definitely is beautiful...but it makes me cry sometimes too because I miss my little babies (but I'm grateful for a full night's sleep now, LOL)!