She had fallen asleep in my arms. I knew I had a mound of laundry to do, dinner to prep, and a house to clean before Jarrod got home. But then she rolled toward me and snuggled in. Her sweet sigh of contentment when her little hand grasped my thumb and she discovered that I was still there was precious. I lay there, unwilling to move even though my thoughts were running rampant with things I knew I needed to do. It hit me that I am slowly leaving behind some of the little years and hitting a new stage with my oldest. His little years passed by too quickly. Did I savor them? Did I soak in the new discoveries with him? The snuggles? The first words?
Moms know the little years can be challenging. And they are. But, wow. They also are such a blessing. Those first years and new things pass by quickly. I sat wondering if I rush too quickly through my day to day things to do, without taking joy in the things that happen with the kids. Do I focus too much on the things they aren't doing as opposed to the things they are doing?
When the babe wakes up from her nap, you can hear a Ma-ma-ma-ma before fussing ensues. I open the door and a wide grin spreads across her face as her arms reach out for me. I scoop her up and her little arms wrap around my neck and she squeezes. She pulls back, pats my face and then lunges in for another hug. I love it. It's one of the best feelings in the world.
Savor the little years. Before you know it, you've blinked and some of your children aren't little anymore. Their hand isn't adorably chubby anymore when they reach for your hand. They joyfully run to their friends instead of clinging to your leg. They're suddenly speaking in full sentences and you have someone to converse with throughout the day. You reach new challenges and new characteristics to cultivate.
And you reach a whole new level of joy that you didn't know you'd have.
Enjoy the slobbery first kisses. The sleepless nights that you get to cuddle the babe. Enjoy the eager hands that mix all sorts of deliciousness with you. Enjoy the toys spread across the floor that say, "Our children love using their imagination and playing." Take delight in playing with your little ones and ignore the fact that you haven't taken the time to shower.
Is it just me? I can't be the only one who struggles to appreciate all the things that young children bring can I?
Enjoy the little years
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