This morning I was in the bathroom helping my five year old fix her hair for school. She was standing on a stool in front of the sink and asked if I would pull her hair up to keep in out of her face. I grabbed a purple rubber band from the drawer and started to pull up her hair when I noticed something.
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.
Anyone know how to slow this down?
I wish I knew how to make it stop. My 13 1/2 year old is an inch from being my height and she's no where close to her final height. That's what I get for marrying someone a foot taller than me!
Sorry, no slowing down. (Sigh) But I will tell you there will be cool things you'll love with every phase they enter. It's so weird how all those changes kind of sneak up on you, isn't it?
You can get a break, that is wonderful. They grow up so fast so continue to hold on to each moment and each day.
Just give them a big hug and thank them for being wonderful children.
yes, it is weird. I'm with them everyday – I though I was immune to those surprises!
now that I can do!
And sadly, they turn into teenagers. So far that lasts AT LEAST to the age of 25…..
God makes them so cute when they are young so you'll remember it and not kill them when they become teenagers!
Ain't that the truth!
well, something to look forward to…
The only trick I know is to teach myself to be more in the present moment, more HERE, and it slows it down.
Oh gosh, yes, where is that 'pause' button? I can't believe my baby boy will be turning 2 years old this January. And my oldest son is 4. And in kindergarten. Wow. It is incredible… and bittersweet. And sad, really. The baby stage goes by TOO FAST. Too fast.