It is cold, snowy and I should really put a sweater and slippers on so I don't freeze at this computer. I always get cold at the computer. I haven't figured out why that is, but I do. The ice in my diet Pepsi isn't helping either. But oh well.
Last week I was in McDonald's play land with Olivia (usually anther freezing cold place) but the sun was out and it was coming through the glass and making me down right toasty so we stayed for like an hour. I had not brought a book or my phone or my iPod and so I had a lot of time to think (I did have my knitting). And what I thought about was how I am loving this time of life.
Ever since I started having kids 13 and a 1/2 years ago, and they placed Carter in my arms, I started looking forward to the day when they would all be big. Big but not totally grown. The time when all my kids were home, and we were busy making the stories that would someday start with "Remember when we were kids and we did__________?"
Well, we are at that stage. And it is great.
I love this stage so much because I realized something about myself a long time ago... I don't do well with change. Part of the reason I feel like such a basket case with my small children is all the change that goes on from birth to age 5.
Now don't get me wrong. I love the new born stage. The tiny babies that cuddle close and mold with you. It's short and fleeting and is followed quickly by the tumultuous world of MILESTONES. All of which create their own brief chaos in life.
Here's a few quotes from some of those chaos creating milestones:
-"They're getting the first tooth and they aren't sleeping well. And/or having diarrhea and runny noses with it."
-"So and so is eating solids now, so we are adjusting the nursing schedule."
-"We just moved them up to size 12 mo and now nothing fits!"
- "Oh that bump on his head was from trying to crawl up the rocking chair!"
- "He doesn't like to be laid down! All he wants to do is stand up and see everything."
- "She just runs away from us at church and she is too young for nursery."
- "He climbs on everything these days."
- "sick..."
-"rough night..."
- "potty training..."
- "switched to whole milk..."
- "No more binkies..."
- "No more bottles..."
- "No more sippies..."
- "Out of the crib..."
- "table food..."
- "Allergic to..."
- SHOTS!!
The only thing that is constant IS change! Which I know is par for life, but really every other week for the last 13 years I could use any one of those quotes for the title of how my week was going.
I am aware that there are still many changes to come too. Driving, puberty, voice changing, taller than mom, taller than dad, high school, seminary, kindergarten, first dates, but I think I am going to have more fun with this than potty training!
So for the next 5 years, before Carter goes off on his mission, we are going to be busy making Remember When stories!
The Moncur Fam
September 2006 look for a new one this summer
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10 comments:
I agree. I feel comfortable and more at peace when I am not having to adjust my sleep schedule or worry about hovering around a toddler in a precarious position or feeding schedules or all the other things you mentioned. There is something idyllic about having children who have a good degree of independence and don't need the intense physical care, while at the same time they love to spend time with you and be at home and make memories. I wish you a very Merry and blessed Christmas making memories with your crew, and many more MOOSE SIGHTINGS in the new year to come!!
Woops had posted twice, so deleted one, but whenever they put "post deleted by author" it makes me think oh, did the author say something bad? LOL No, I just kept repeating myself!!
You really are in a fun stage with your kids. I kind of feel that way with Brooke too. I loved the baby stage, but this toddler stage where we can get out together and enjoy things around town and she actually has a sort of idea of what is going on, it makes me excited for years to come.
I think that you have done well at spacing your children.....you'll have one that is older and starting those teen experiences, however still have a little chitlen that is still finding magic in life/holidays/friends/vactaions/etc. That attitude is good for the whole family.
As for me, I'm learning to just enjoy each day as it comes....instead of wishing for the past or hoping for what is yet to come. I've learned in the last 18 months that each new stage has exciting and fun aspects, but also challenges. It's easier to just roll with it, which is hard for me being the overplanner that I am :)
Can't wait to hear all the memory making your fam will be doing :)
I had this conversation with my cousin's wife a few weeks ago. She is in your same stage. Her youngest is now 4 and she said the same things as you. She is loving life. I do look forward to the day my last kid is potty trained, sleeps through the night, or that I don't have to pack a huge diaper bag to go anywhere, but those days are far away for me. So I guess I better kick back, learn to relax a little, and make the best of the next 5+ years! And seriously, Carter can't be leaving on a mission in 5 years! That's crazy!
I have loved all the stages...but my teenagers are so much fun! Time does go by fast, it's like a blink and they are gone! Enjoy every moment!
I have recently realized I am a slow-adapter, too. I think the main reason I am so anal about a schedule with my kids is because I thrive on a schedule, not necessarily them. I feel like things have mellowed out a little in the change department with my girls and I am starting to get comfortable, which is one reason why I am not sure when I will be ready for another one...
Amen to that sister!
I have nothing pithy or deep to share. But it is so true--it is such a challenge to find peace and happiness in whatever stage of life we are in. Have a Merry Christmas!
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