Long Days, Short Years

A few days ago I was taking my laundry out of the dryer. Which reminds me….I have to go put my wet laundry in the dryer! Anyway, when I was taking the clothes out I was noticing that my daughter’s size 12 and 18 month clothes didn’t look so small mixed in with the 3T and 4T of her older brother’s. It made me a little nostalgic for the early days and weeks of her life when her teeny tiny onsies and socks looked so little.

My husband and I have decided that three is enough children for us. But knowing that we’re done makes me a little sad as I watch my kids grow before my eyes. Every night when I rock my daughter in her room for a few minutes before bed I cherish that feeling when she rests her head on my shoulder and her arms around mine. My mom calls that feeling “Grandma heaven”. I know that before I know it I’ll be telling her to get into bed and praying she obeys and stays there! And yes, my 3 and 4 year-old boys will climb up and put their heads on my shoulder if they need some mommy love, but they both weigh about 40 lbs and practically choke me in the process!

I also notice that her hair is getting longer and that intoxicating baby head smell will soon start to fade. I’m totally obsessed with smelling her. I actually smell all my kids constantly…but she smells the best. And she still has that sweet baby’s breath too. Heavenly.

I do love that she’s growing up though. She’s a few days away from walking (a transition I’m ready and eager for). And with walking opens up a new world of possibilities. I’ve felt a bit trapped in the house with her because she’s not walking yet, doesn’t like to be in a stroller, and still takes two naps. So, a walking toddler who will (hopefully) be dropping to one nap soon will give me some additional freedom.

I know these years are the tough ones and that they do fly by. I’ve always tried to savor moments of each day with my kids but I’m finding it more difficult lately. I find that we just don’t have a lot of time together in the morning before bringing the boys to school. And then when I pick them up in the afternoon its like a mad rush of stress and chaos trying to make sure all 3 kids actually eat something for dinner, get bathed, into PJ’s, have milk and bedtime. The whole process takes about 2 ½ -3 hours and I’m totally wiped out once they’re in bed! I’m looking forward to the lazy days of summer when we can just slow things down a bit. And have new adventures in our new neighborhood.

My mom tells me that every year gets better. And I look forward to the days when they can all actually get themselves dressed, fed, and of course…..fully potty trained! But there are some emotions and moments during the early years that I wish I can just bottle and keep forever.