She was tall.
She was so tall that standing on the stool was no longer required for her to reach the sink or for me to fix her hair. She had grown. Overnight it seems, but she had grown. She doesn't need the stool to help her reach her toothbrush or hang up her towel after a bath. She doesn't need my help to wash her hair or get dressed in her clothes. She's growing.
They're all growing.
The monitor next to my bed is really unnecessary these days. The baby, who's teetering dangerously close to two, doesn't require constant nighttime supervision. The monitor that lasted five years and 3 babies needs to be put away. It may be what I used to listen to their soft breathing when they were so small and helpless, but now they just come wake me up when they need something.
If they need something.
They use the bathroom, get water, find their lost stuffed animals, and adjust their night lights all on their own. The baby plays quietly and waits patiently in her crib until someone comes to fetch her. No tears, no fussing. They're growing up.
The crib is becoming obsolete. In a few short weeks the crib will be transformed into a 'big girl' bed. While all three of my babies slept their first years in that crib, it won't make another appearance until I'm welcoming my grandchildren - many years from now.
I'm watching my children grow. I'm seeing the baby phase move quickly into the distance and I'm watching trips to friends houses emerge. I'm watching them become readers and thinkers and imaginary unicorn catchers. I'm watching them explore and discover.
And, I'm watching because the worlds I hear most are 'No, Mama. I can do it myself!'
Anyone know how to slow this down?
Anyone know how to slow this down?
*originally written for Deep South Moms
