But, they do. Those darn kids grow up. And they grow up way too fast.
Oh, people warn you. They say things like "Enjoy it--it goes too fast" and "I remember when I had little ones" and they get all melancholy and misty-eyed and you just think to yourself "These people are idiots". Nobody can tell you how much you miss all that work and stinky diapers and whiny kids. Nope. It's kinda like childbirth--the years erase the hell of it--and all you remember is the smell of the top of their heads or how they would snuggle up and fall asleep in your arms.
My baby girl is turning 16 today, and while I am totally enjoying these times with her, I am aching for how quickly the day is approaching that she'll be leaving us. It's good to be Em these days with Sweet Sixteen bashes and Prom topped off by a great new guy in her life. It's fun to see her growing up, but I wish there was a hold button so that I could catch my breath in between these events.
Oh, I know grandchildren are coming and that's all great with "no responsibility" and all that, but I like being the mom. I'm here for everything--not just happy updates and holidays. I'm here for the nitty-gritty and the warts along with the rainbows and butterflies and unicorns. And I like that, so I'm holding onto every last minute of it--with a death grip.
24 comments:
Awww...her shy little smile is SO SWEET. I bet she had a fabulous birthday bash!
She's just darling in that picture! I totally understand what you're talking about here. You feel very much the same way I do about mom things. Soak it up.
Who said no responsibility?? My empty nest turned into full house. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I just wish I could find that pause button because somebody is going to first grade in the Fall and time is going way too fast.Right now I'm enjoying a little guy who is eating everything in sight all of a sudden, who runs to me and yells "gwammaaaaaaaa!!!!!" with a huge hug when I get home from work, who just learned how to give kisses.
Happy Birthday Em! Enjoy every moment :-)
Oh so cute! Happy Birthday! I know how you feel...I loved those baby days..I love the wonderful young man my son is becoming but still..I miss those days....
That is very smart of you to savor every moment with your child. By the way Happy Birthday Em. Sixteen is a big step. I even remember that. LOL
My email is margaretmsan@gmail.com for the Red Cat Society.
Awwww...her little smile is soooo cute!!
Tell her Happy Birthday! :)
You're a born mom. :)
Awwww!!! Sooooo cute!
I missed those baby days too!
Happy Birthday to Em!
Am I the only one here who can't wait for my boys to grow up?!! Arghhh!! They're driving me nuts!
It is bitter-sweet that our babies grow up isn't it?
Happy Birthday to your daughter!
xo Catherine
Happy Birthday, Em. You hold on, Lin. Hold on with a death grip and squeeze every minute of every day.
My kids are grown up finished with college. I get misty eyed almost everyday. I would replay every second, especially those wonderful unicorn moments.
Em is a lucky girl to have you for her Mom. Wish her a happy Sweet Sixteen for today and throughout the coming year!
I hear ya! My eldest daughter turned 34 yesterday! Yep.... time flies.
Awh. Hope the party was a great success.
Congrats to your lovely daughter and her fabulous mom. Grandkidlets are great, but all too soon they are off to college. Enjoy the butterflies and unicorns while you may.
Pretty little girl!
I always enjoy when you talk about being a parent, I can't relate or even empathize but I can be touched by your emotions.
Happy Birthday Em! My oldest is in middle school and I can feel her slipping away even now. She still enjoys spending time with family but I am sure it is only a matter of time.
Be careful what you wish for - my brother in law is 54 and he NEVER left home.
heh
Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter.
How adorable! Happy Birthday Em!
I personally hope that (my) grandchildren are FAR off! I am too young to be a granny! LOL!
so right. Sigh. They get older and we become old ladies obsessed with our pets. well not us...cough
Well, it does go fast. I can tell you that and you always miss those days. Just a sweet remembrance. I'm a brand new grandmother and that is definitely cool. No way to stop the march of time.
P.S. - I'm sorry to say my turkeys and guineas took my wonderful horse hay and turned it into their nesting spot. There's so many eggs buried in there I didn't have the heart to move them.
Such a sweet picture of little Em! Hope she has a very Happy Birthday! Having never been a mom to a kid without fur, I always enjoy reading your posts about your experiences. Your kids are very lucky to have such a special mom like you!
Lin,
I totally agree...my 'baby' is 12 and gosh, I remember holding him in my arms to sing him to sleep and I STILL sing him to sleep :) It's such a special time with children!
I wondered how the Sweet '16' Bash went; I trust you all survived?!
at least you are alive to tell the tales :)
Happy Birthday to Em.
I'm torn between missing those sweet times when they were little and having the freedom of being an empty nester. The best part now is that I no longer have to hide the good snacks from anyone.
Duni--She did! I completely forgot to take photos--can you believe it???! I think she is secretly glad about that though. :)
Violet--Seems like yesterday. Sigh. It's like you blink and it is over. Oh, just to have them little like that for one more day.....
Helene--Oh, Helene, he sounds like such a doll! Grab him and hold him tight for you know all too well how fast it goes. And while you are at it--give him a squeeze for me too, pally.
Melodie--Me too. I miss giving them a bath, a story, and a snuggle before they go to bed each night. Sigh. Somehow, they don't want to do that anymore. Sheesh.
Marg--I remember my Sweet 16 too, Marg! Doesn't it feel like yesterday?? Sigh. I'll send you an invite for the RCS!
A.Marie--Look at her little button nose. Boo hoooo!!! I miss my baby!
Rebecca--I dunno, I think I sort of grew into it. I never thought I would love being a mom as much as I have. Now I miss it so much!
Veronica--But you are still in the thick of it, Veronica! Wait until you are this close to it ending--then you will want it all back!!
Catherine--It is really hard, Catherine. So much harder than I thought it would be. :( But we've had lots of fun along the way.:)
Highway--Thanks, pally. Thanks for understanding. :) I'm glad I'm not alone in feeling like this.
Vanilla--Aw, thanks, pally!
Hot Rocks--What?! But you are only like 35!!! ;) How do they get older but we don't???
Nancy--It was!! But I forgot to take photos!! I think she is glad about that.
Chuck--Thanks, pally! Yeah, how come they all have to grow up and leave us??? I don't like that part.
Grace--I get really emotional when it comes to my mom days being numbered. I happened upon this job as a SAHM unexpectedly and I never knew I would love it so much. I don't like this working world very much--I miss my kids.
Anne--My kids still like being with us, its just that their schedule doesn't permit it as much. That said, we follow them to band contests and performances or whatever sports they are in. It's just all very different now.
Pricilla--AAARRRGGHH! Okay, okay. I won't wish them to stay at home with me anymore!
Diana--Me too! We are both too young to be a G'ma! I like just being the mom. :)
Tracy--I'm gonna be an old cat lady, Tracy. :)
Mtn Woman--Why don't we appreciate it when we are knee-deep in it?? There is just something wrong with that. Don't you think we'd all be better parents with that option? :) You are hilarious with those turkeys!! I wouldn't move them either though--I'm a softy at heart too.
Beaded Tail--She had a great birthday, pally. :) And I know I get sorta sappy about my kids, but I can't help it. I was never a mom who wanted school to start--I always liked having them home. Big dork, I know. :)
Tracy--She had a blast at her party! I didn't take photos--mainly for her privacy and the fact that I forgot. Ooops. I'm just gonna warn you that 12 turns into 18 too fast. :(
Ann--Thanks, pally! I'm gonna miss the noise and the activity when they are gone. I like the quiet and less laundry, but I don't like them not being here.
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