Last Updated on March 22, 2024
If you are a mom of littles – 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 there are also things yearned for.
For some strange reason, as I sit here, I have been swept up in a wave of longing … a longing for the old familiar, the sweet memories of days gone by are washing over me and I am compelled to share insights of the simple that there is for a mom to ponder.
Uncomplicated, sweet, daily, seemingly inconsequential and un-magnificent little wisps of wonder with little ones that can easily go unappreciated…
- Sweet sleeping noises over an intercom.
- Nightly baths and the “get ready for bed” togetherness routine.
- Creating masterpieces with sidewalk chalk.
- Reading the same book over and over and over and over and over.
- That wee little face that lights up when I walk into a room.
- “Can I have a glass of water?” (really, I miss it!)
- Waking up to someone crawling in bed with us.
- Matchbox cars being driven up my legs and parked on my belly.
- Having dozens of hair bows lovingly placed in my hair.
- Joining in on a pots and pans band!
- Making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
- Washing their hair.
- Blowing bubbles … lots and lots of bubbles.
- Frequently-lavished butterfly kisses, accompanied by a very close up, soft, ear tickling whisper: “I love you so so much, Mama!”
- Going on long walks while dodging a big wheel and a small bike.
- Washing tiny dishes.
- Having little forks and spoons in the cutlery drawer.
- Sippy cups.
- Working puzzles … lots of puzzles.
- Coloring.
- Playing hide and go seek.
- Bringing home stacks of books from the library.
- Being told how “adorable” my children are.
- Washing and folding tiny little socks, shorts, shirts, blankies – all of it, really.
- Hearing nightly “Now I lay me down to sleep…”
- Cuddling on the couch and watching Tom and Jerry.
- Building towers tall.
- Little hands trying hard to tie little shoes.
- Shrills and shrieks when Daddy pulls into the driveway.
- Messy beds that can’t quite be made up just right.
- Being asked, “Mom, can we snuggle?”
- Playing peek a boo, repeatedly!
- Messy linen closets.
- Arts and crafts. (mess and all … worth it!)
- After doing our errands, going to the toy store – just for fun!
- Kissing boo boo’s.
- Winnie the Pooh band aids.
- Hearing, “I did it by my big self!”
- Clipping tiny fingernails.
- Little hands folded in prayer.
- Cherub lips that freely give kisses.
- Bed head.
- Belly laughs and endless giggles.
Heavy sigh.
Moms … enjoy every MOMent and be filled with gratitude for the gift of momlife.
We really do have the best ever fringe benefits!
I have three sons ages 33,30 and 10. My daughter is 91/2. I know how fast time goes by so I try to savor each moment even when we are busy. I taught 3 year olds this year which helped me remember those special times. I was also able to give the moms time to appreciate the Moments while teaching their little ones a few hours a week and sharing my experiences of how fast time will go.
Thanks for sharing…I KNOW you get what I am writing about here! And bless you sweet mom for reminding moms of those “littles” you teach how fast the time passes! Big Hugs!
Beautiful! So thankful for the wonders of motherhood…just graduated my second child Friday night and my heart is flooded with memories. So thankful for all the times I gave myself to the moment and fully enjoyed my Jack. When he was little he would give me a bear hug and say Glitch, glitch, glitch… like he was a robot that couldn’t let go. :). I just love that memory. I also have a sweet memory of him running in the kitchen one regular summer day and saying, “Mom, I LOVE being a 10-year-old boy!” So grateful to God for the blessing of being his mom! Thanks for sharing this Tracey!
Hey Julie – thanks for sharing your heart as you are facing this new transition! Precious memories with our kids are truly a gift and making time to create them is so very important! Your sons comment made me smile! Hugs!
Tracey,
Thanks for the reminder of how precious this time is with my “littles”.
Sweet Heather – thank you for the encouragement … I hope you are able to savor the MOMents a bit more sweetly as you see it through my eyes as one who misses those MOMents so! Hubby says….that’s what grandkids are for! :0)
Such a fun list! The wee ones can be such a joy. And hilarious!
I try not to dwell on when they are, ahem, teaching me lessons in patience and grace. Because yah, it isn’t all rainbows and lollipops! But for the most part, my kids are at a tremendously fun age and I know I’ll miss it.