The children are happily preparing every snack they can find in the kitchen, and smells of popcorn and toast are wafting towards my office. My husband is taking a nap after a long day of meetings. I hope someone changed my toddler's diaper.
Just a minute, time to check...
That's one thing with children, you have to check on them often. Especially if it's gotten really quiet. Quiet can be very dangerous. Either they've found something really "fun" to do (consequently making a big mess), or they are watching TV, or worse, they are planning a "surprise"!
Like making tents in the living room...
or digging a tunnel under the backyard...
or making me breakfast in bed... (although this one isn't too bad now that they're getting older & better at cooking!)
Children are full of surprises. Sometimes disastrous, sometimes funny, sometimes wonderful!
One thing I've learned to do over the years is to really enjoy them. They grow up so fast. You've got to take the time to really listen to them, and to enjoy the sweet little things they do and say. They won't be small for long.
I remember years ago when I was so overwhelmed by three children under the age of 5! Time after time, older friends would tell me: "Enjoy them now while they're young! They won't be small forever!" I listened half-heartedly, and tried to follow their advice. But I was so darn tired, and it sure felt like forever to me! Sometimes even the 15-minutes that my husband was late home from work seemed like an eternity!
But over the years, that wise advice has proven true, as most advice from the older generation is. I have watched in amazement as my older children have become teenagers. How fast the time flies! It gives new meaning to that song from Fiddler on the Roof:
Sunrise, Sunset
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older,
When did they?
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
Sunrise sunset, sunrise, sunset,
Swiftly flow the days,
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers,
Blossoming even as they gaze...
Sunrise sunset, sunrise, sunset!
Swiftly fly the years,
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears...
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears
Like rocking a baby in the middle of the night. That's one thing I miss, now that my youngest is two & a half. I know it sounds crazy, what am I thinking? I certainly love my full-night's sleep that I get now. But take a look at a new mother or father holding that sweet little newborn. There's nothing so precious. There's nothing like those first few weeks after a new baby is born. The miracle of life is so precious. Enjoy...
3 comments:
So true, so true. Having experience in parenting myself, I have learned that children are a great joy, and a BIG responsibility.
Wonderful job, Erika! I love it... as I listened to the song, I wondered if our little video store here on the mountain has Fiddler on the Roof! I love your thoughts and advice... I remember when! I had one child, married 5 (plus their father!) and had 3 more. I have felt everything you said in my life and I 'ditto' it all! We often wonder where all those bodies are that were once scattered around the house and are amazed that the walls don't still vibrate. We love our life looking back on things and watching our children with their children... it is surely "joy in our posterity"! Thanks for starting your blog... I am going to recommend my girls link up to it and read often.
Was great seeing you Saturday!
xox - t.
Thanks Tina! So nice to hear from you!
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