I don’t know how it happened, but somehow I’m in a new season of my life.
For over a decade (which sounds like a long time…but really it isn’t…even though it is) I was either pregnant or nursing and changing diapers and potty training and teaching children to dress themselves. And I always had someone hanging on me or pulling the clean kitchen towels out of the drawer onto the floor. I had a perpetual glob of sweet potatoes smeared across my shoulder.
And now. Now my littlest one is almost five. And my oldest one is twelve.
Part of my life is a little easier now. The part where I can just say, “Everyone go upstairs and play for a while.” And they do. And I don’t have to follow any of them around making sure they don’t put marbles in their mouths (or up their noses) or climb onto anything dangerous. (Well, sometimes they still like to climb onto dangerous things…but you get the point.)
I know some parts of parenting are just about to get harder. Like the “I think girls are cute” part and the “Can I have the keys and go somewhere by myself” part. And, oh my word, someday really really soon my boys are gonna have whiskers and be taller than me and their voices will crack and, and…(breathe, Laura!)
I’ll try to just take that stuff one day at a time.
In the meantime, I just wanted to encourage all of you mamas out there with little bitty ones. The days of chasing and wiping and wiping and chasing are long and hard and full of joy and lack of sleep.
I refuse to get all cheesy on you and say, “Enjoy those moments because they get big before you know it.” I was always irritated when someone with big kids would tell me that. I KNEW I needed to enjoy it and that they’d get big before I knew it and blah, blah, blah. I WAS enjoying it. I just needed a nap.
So, hang in there, Mama. Some day, you’ll be able to play an entire game of cards with friends without pulling your hand of slobbery cards out of the mouth of the baby in your lap. Some day, you can sit down and watch an entire movie without a toddler climbing all over you and the back of the couch you’re sitting on. And some day…you’ll be able to read an entire blog post like this one without getting up twelve times to get the baby out of the china cabinet.
Someday.
And…well…if you and I are ever in a hanging out together and you’ve got your little baby with you…HAND HIM (or HER) OVER. You need a break and I need a baby fix. Everyone wins.
Thank you so much. I really needed this today! I am a momma to four seven and under and the baby is sick and I homeschool and and and….. But today was one of THOSE days that we all have no matter what stage of life or career we are in. And I needed to be reminded that this is a stage and to smile at the craziness of it. Thank you!
I’m so glad that you wrote this today…I feel like it was written to me. I only have one little one, but she definitely keeps my days full and I babysit another little one and between the two of them today I am exhausted and I just sat down to read for a few minutes of “alone” time and she cried and I had to go and soothe her and when I got back I read this and it is just a huge relief to hear that I’m not alone- and that mom’s do survive this stage!! Plus, my husband wants another one, but i’m not yet done nursing this one and would like to enjoy my freedom for a while, but it’s good to think that there is a time and a season for freedom and this is what God has called me to for now! So, thank you for your encouraging words! They touched this young momma’s heart!
Thank you … I really needed this today. :)
Wow. Thanks so much for writing this. I definitely needed it today! And I love how you put it… I am enjoying it! I just NEED A NAP! :-)
Thank you for saying so! I have a hunch that someday things won’t be so minute-to-minute intense, so it’s nice to hear someone say that, even if some aspects will be harder.
Thank you so much for this. Just what every mom needs to hear!
Same here… thank you & I really needed that.
I think we should have coffee together so you can hold my baby and i can take a nap :)
Great post Laura. Thank you for remembering those of us with really little munchkins.
My “baby” is four (will be five in February) and I am so happy the “chasing and wiping” is almost over (she still needs some help with the bathroom). My oldest is 11 and I am just amazed at how we can actually have some pretty deep conversations. Although, I don’t appreciate the sassy little monster that seems to take over my drama queen from time to time, it’s still a good age. She, too, will be taller than me pretty soon. That’s a good thing. I won’t have to use the step stool so often in the kitchen! ;)
Thank you so much for this. I have a 15 month old and I’m pregnant again. Sometimes I wonder how I’m going to handle 2 babies 2 years apart, but I know I’ll figure it out as it comes. I needed to read this. Thanks again! :)
soon to be mother of 5 little ones (ages 5 and under).
You know what, when I do get a chance to go shopping alone…after an hour I am lonely for all of them (I know I am a nut!).
Still it is nice to have some down time. Like now, when I should be in bed.
Just exactly the encouragement this groggy momma needed to read this morning. Thank you!
Thanks so much for this posting! I love reading your stuff – you make it so hilarious, and definitely so true!! You are quite an inspiration!
I feel like you wrote this to me my friend! God Bless You!
Thanks so much for posting this today! I’ve got a very strong willed two year old and another one on the way. The morning sickness is awful right now, and my son has been extra cranky this week. I definitely needed a post like this today! Thank you!
Laura,
I never get to turn the computer on before my daycare children come and I am lucky to get a few minutes at naptime. I awoke this morning feeling groggy and out of sorts. My 15 month old son had shots yesterday and did not sleep super well, I didn’t finish the dishes last night, the potty wasn’t emptied, and when I just sit down to have a few minutes of quiet time I hear my son yacking. I layed him back down, got ready, couldn’t find my tweezers, and said okay I am going to turn the computer on and spend a few minutes just sitting and not running. I sit down, the dog is barking at the door, he is so old I wish he would just pass on, sorry, and my son is bashing around in his crib. I went to another site and nothing was new there, then I checked yours and wow, thank you Lord for the encouragement and the fact that it is friday. I will and can make it through this day. Thank you my friend have a wonderful and blessed day. By the way I would hand my son over for a few hours to you if he would disconnect for a bit. :0) Hope you get your baby fix.
Laura,
It is SO important for mothers to hear these things (and say them!) It’s so difficult to be a parent, and the guilt that comes with feeling like you’re wishing it away makes it almost unbearable. It’s so important to hear that you can love your children and your life and still need that light at the end of the tunnel. My youngest is 3 (and a third child, so she’s active and into everything!)but my oldest is 10, and is so wonderful and funny and self sufficient. Having the 10 year old makes me appreciate the 3 year old climbing all over me, because I can see how fleeting it is. And not just in a “Sunrise, Sunset” kind of way (although it’s that, too!) but in a happy, looking forward to the future kind of way.
Okay, now I’m weeping. Being a mother is truly unfathomable.
You are right on. I have two olders and while I miss those snuggly baby and toddler years it is SO NICE to be able to kick them outside for a bit when they get rambunctious. The baby on the other hand… She’s 9 months, very mobile and is still up every two hours all night, every night. I need a nap in the worst way. I adore those toothless grins, belly laughs, and nursing sessions. I never want those to end. I’ll be A-OK when I CAN read an entire blog post without getting up five times to keep the baby from unplugging the computer, catch my empty coffee cup just before she sends it crashing to the floor, and pull Kleenex out of her mouth. That’s just the 5 minutes it took me to read and respond to this! Needless to say, if we’re ever sitting down having a cup of coffee you are MORE than welcome to get your baby fix with my dear, busy, little one! Well, I best make sure she’s not digging in the kitchen trash, that’s her new favorite activity….
I needed this today for sure. Thanks!
Keep these coming! lol I will gladly welcome any posts on reinforcing first time obedience, what to ignore/what to deal with, table behavior, expectations for 4 boys under 7 in public, haha okay I will stop. Love your style of writing. Funny and practical and so real.
I’m on your side of things and agree that, while I was going through those days they seemed long and never ending, yet looking back they went so quickly. My sister just had her first baby and wants several more, so I’m getting to go through this journey, in a sense, with her and hope that I can help in any way possible. As for myself, with my girls’ teen years looming ahead, I know I will desperately need God’s wisdom and grace to handle these new challenges.
One very important point in all of this is to ASK for HELP! When life gets overwhelming, sometimes you just need a break from it all. Don’t feel guilty! It doesn’t mean you are a bad mother!! It just means you need a break! Call a friend; grandparent; or aunt or uncle, and seek a few hours, or even a weekend to yourself! It will do YOU and your family some good!
Excellent blog today!!
Oh and by the way, I am one of those that will say “enjoy because they grow up way too fast”. My baby is 28 now. BUT, where the joy comes in is when she calls me and says “Mom, I need a break. Can you take the kids for the weekend?” And guess what? I am always happy to do so!! :)
Your baby is very lucky to have you around and so willing to help!!
Thank you! I often wonder if there will ever be a day where I can sit down and not have to get back up 15 times….(and I only have TWO little ones!!)….
A very wise homeschooling Mom of 5 ages 20 down to 8 (4 of them boys) once saw me in the library with my two boys (who are 6 & 8) in the midst of a very bad day. She didn’t say, “Enjoy, they grow too fast” (which was good because I just might have punched her at that moment), but what she did say has stuck with me… and has actually provided a calming effect when we’re in the midst of “one of those days.” She said, “These are the best YEARS of your life. Not the best DAYS, but the best YEARS. When you are old and gray sitting at Starbucks drinking coffee with the ladies, enjoying the best DAYS of your life, you will spend the time reminiscing about the best YEARS of your life.” In other words, the bad falls away with time, you forget about it, but the little joys, they stay with you forever! Think about it, it’s true… I mean, seriously, many of us go ahead and have a second child after the first… AFTER experiencing labor, and 2am feedings and no sleep for days, peanut butter on the sofa cushions, and having to tell your husband that his son broke the flat-screen TV… ok, wait, those are my experiences, but you get the picture… we gloss over those and bring another bundle of joy into our family anyway. So, enjoy these best YEARS, and just try to make it through the not-so-great days with everyone in one piece! That’s what I’m trying to do right now ;)
I love this! So true! Thank you for this perspective :)
Thanks =)!
I soo needed this this week. Sometimes it seems like the diaper stage will never end!! Thanks for your wisdom! So, when are you headed to CO? :)
Thank You!
These words just resonated within me. I am now weeping. :) I have this conversation with myself all the time…”I love having them so little, but….I can’t wait for them to be more self-sufficient”. I have a 5 yo and 17 month old and the older is a great help but still needs me to do things like tie his shoes, button his pants, pour a drink, etc. I LOVE doing all these things for my kids but I was just telling my husband that when I stop and think about all the years ahead full of laundry and dishes, I get so overwhelmed. If I could just put a “pause” button on life sometimes, right? My daughter is a bigger handful than my son was at this age and it has been challenging but she brings so much joy to our family! Thanks for this beautiful post, Laura. Children are a blessing from the Lord!
Just wanted to add my heart felt thanks to the list.
Thank you Laura! I actually read this last night while my hubby was unloading from hunting and I started crying immediately. For the past two months I have had terrible morning sickness (with the swine flu thrown in for fun:) and was starting to get pretty discouraged. This was exactly what I needed to hear. I am still tired but my spirit is refreshed. THANK YOU!!!!!!
PS: Anytime you want to come chase my 14 month old daughter you feel free. She is a cuddle bug :)
HAHA! I started reading this at about 4PM and am just now getting back to it.
As the mother of a 12-year old, then a big gap before the 2 babies, I know EXACTLY what you mean.
Hallee
Wow, I’ve been thinking the same thing with my four. I too say to myself that I have entered a new season in my life. I seem to be coming out of the baby phase, and into the older children phase too.
I haven’t changed a diaper in over a year, and after over 8 years of changing several diapers a day, every day, it’s really freeing not to be wiping poo. No more diaper laundry. I miss folding cloth diapers, but that’s IT, LOL.
My youngest is a 3yr old girl, and my oldest is an almost 10yr old boy. My children are starting to take on bigger chores and helping me out more around the house. My two oldest are ready for some serious cooking lessons, and maybe soon I’ll actually let them make a few meals. Maybe. ;-)
Oh, Laura…my husband and I were just talking about this tonight. Our “baby” will be 6 in December and our oldest, twin boys, are 12!! So I’m right there with you…while I enjoy the occasional blog read all the way through…I am praying constantly about the next step with our oldest boys…puberty!!!! Yikes!! One day at a time and lots of prayer. I’ll pray for you…you pray for me and God will help us both, ok!! Seasons are for a reason…I just hope I enjoy this season as much as the younger seasons!! :)
You have no idea how much I needed to hear this! Thanks!
I’m so thankful to be out of the baby stage, too. Taking care of and nuturing 3 babies at once was a challenge! Thankfully, we didn’t know any different, since they were our first, you just do what needs to be done! They still need a little assistance going to the bathroom (I’m so thankful we are past the potty training stage!), and it never fails that when we are out to eat or at a friends house, and I’m finally getting to eat my DESSERT (my absolute favorite!), each of my daughters, one at a time, comes to me and says, “Mommy, I need to go the bathroom.” SIGH. Thankfully, these moments are few and far between! ;-)
Thanks Laura, I got a little teary reading this. I had someone else at church yesterday tell me AGAIN to enjoy this time (4 kids, 6 and under) and like you said, I am enjoying it, but I really do truly need a nap!
You wrote this long ago, but I stumbled onto it tonight. No, scratch that. God gave me this delightful gift tonight. I am still in the midst of diapers and towels on the floor and boogers on fingers. Few things are as discouraging as older women who seem to have forgotten how loooong the days can be, and want to remind me to relish each moment. I need to forget some moments to maintain my sanity!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the encouragement.