When you're in the parenting "trenches," it's so easy to get bogged down and distracted and downright discouraged with all the chores, diaper changes, midnight feedings, temper tantrums, etc. We hear those who've gone before us (the ones who survived it) say things like, "You're going to miss this." "One day, you'll wish you had a screaming baby to feed, a toddler to change, and a preschooler to discipline." I'm thinking, REALLY?!?! Ok, so I'm sure I really will miss it, but it's hard to believe right now. Tonight, though, as I was putting my children to bed - tired, frustrated, and on the verge of tears - I began thinking about how blessed I am and how I really am going to miss some of it...
I'll miss how Princess grabs ahold of my fingers when I put the paci in her mouth and falls asleep holding them tight.
I'll miss how Taree wraps his arms and legs around me like a koala bear when I pick him up for a hug.
I'll miss how Shugi runs to me asking for "extra hugs and kisses" after he gets out of bed to use the bathroom "one more time" every night.
I'll miss how Princess's face lights up when I come into view after she's been sitting in her carseat or bouncy seat for a while.
I'll miss how Taree says, "Ah-tay" for okay and "Boo Boo" for Peek-a-boo and "Vew vew" for love you and just about every other thing he says. I love toddler talk!
I'll miss how Shugi butts into our prayers to pray for something he wants to pray for, like today when he said, "And please help RaRa to get here safely in her car" when we were praying before his nap. RaRa was supposed to be coming over to play after naps and only lives 3.8 miles from our house.
I'll miss how Princess's breath smells. I love baby's breath!
I'll miss how Taree and Shugi laugh hysterically when I tickle them.
I'll miss how Princess falls asleep in my arms.
I'll miss rocking Taree before bed.
I'll miss reading stories to Shugi and having him comment on or ask questions about every picture on every page.
I'll miss nursing Princess.
I'll miss Taree's "cheese!" face when we're taking his picture.
I'll miss Shugi's silly noises he makes when he's jumping around and being wild.
I'll miss Princess's baby noises - the gurgles and coos and the way her mouth opens, closes, and contorts to make each sound.
I'll miss seeing Taree walk around with his sippy cup of milk.
I'll miss hearing Shugi talk to his stuffed animals in different voices.
I'll miss the way Princess feels in my arms when I cradle her to nurse her or rock her.
I'll miss the way Taree feels against me when I rock him at night, with his head on my shoulder, his arms and legs draped loosely around me.
I'll miss the way Shugi feels when he's hurting or sad and wants "some loving from Mama" and sits in my lap with his legs off to the side and his head on my chest.
I'll miss how Princess snorts when she's about to start crying.
I'll miss how Taree says "Hi Mama!" excitedly at least 20 times a day as though I've just gotten home, even though I've been with him the whole time.
I'll miss how Shugi talks about how "blessed" we are to have a big family or a nice, sturdy home or a dog named Maverick.
I'll miss the way Princess sometimes sticks out her tongue when she grins.
I'll miss the way Taree loves to dance.
I'll miss the way Shugi lets me pick him up out of his bed in the morning and after naps and lets me carry him to the living room and lays his head on my shoulder even as his long arms and legs dangle on either side of my body and I struggle to carry the weight of his limp, barely awake body.
Yes, indeed, I'm going to miss this and more. Can time just stop for a moment, please?! I think tomorrow I'll be a little more thankful for the dirty diapers, the snotty noses, and even the temper tantrums if I can just have a little more of the things I listed above.
