Being a parent of small children can be exhausting. Sometimes I daydream about meals that are not interrupted by someone going to the bathroom or I fantasize about a day when I can leave the house WITHOUT a 20 lb. diaper bag in tow. It’s easy when you are in the midst of a season of life to get caught up in the difficulties and struggles. But when we remember that a season is just that- a season- we can stop and be thankful for all of the wonderful things that come with it.
So, in honor of my current season of motherhood (having 2 children under the age of 5) I thought I’d write 5 things that make this season great, 5 things that I will surely miss one day when it is over. Here they are.
1. I get to be silly on a daily basis. When you have young children, silliness is pretty much a requirement. And it’s also a lot of fun. Dance parties, books read with funny voices, and tickling are all a regular part of my life right now. My kids aren’t embarrassed by it, in fact my one year old often asks me to sing “Old McDonald” with her in the middle of stores and restaurants. And I do. Good times.
2. My girls think I’m pretty much the smartest person they know. When Piper asks a series of 47 questions, I am reminded of the fact that she really believes I know the answers to ALL of them. In fact, she thinks I know the answer to just about any question she can think up. And whatever I say must be true because, after all, I am the smartest person she knows (along with her Daddy). It’s quite flattering.
3. My kids are still small enough to curl up in my lap. This is one I am sure I will sorely miss someday. Right now nothing is better than having one or both of my girls snuggled in my lap. They love it and I do too.
4. I get to watch them learn new things constantly. As a parent, few things are more exciting than watching your child learn something new. Whether it’s Haddy figuring out how to work a buckle and proclaiming, “Mommy, I did it!” with a big smile or Piper reading her first words, these moments are priceless.
5. I get to relive a little of my childhood with them. Playing with Play-Doh is a lot of fun and reading Charlotte’s Web aloud to my daughter is even better than reading it on my own. I get to swing and paint and make milkshakes for dessert. It’s like being a kid…but better, because I also get to enjoy watching my girls join in the fun!
Thinking on these things reminds me that they will not be this small for long. Whatever season of life you are in at the moment, I hope you take a few minutes to think about what makes it great…and share below so we can celebrate with you!
*This post is a part of the Mom’s 30-Minute Blog Challenge at Steady Mom.
Love these points to remember, Paula!
Thanks for joining in the challenge!
Jamie
Came over from Steady Mom. My oldest is 10 and I’m still the center of her universe. I try to remember this on those days I’m tired of hearing the word “mommy” and just wish everyone would go away!
I hear you. It will make me so sad when my little guy doesn’t fit on my lap anymore!
Also found you through Steady Mom…and so can relate to your list. Especially the thought about my girl curling up on my lap (which also goes along with being able to really pick her up to cuddle and play) and getting relive a bit of childhood. There are so many things I’m excited to share with her as we go along! (And like Renee, these are the things I try to remember when the word “mama” has lost its charm through overuse)
Well Paula, very good points but since mine are in college I can tell you they will never be too big to snuggle in your lap. Both of mine still ask me to lay down with them at night (once in a blue moon, but that is still a tremendous blessing!) to just catch up. They are never too old.
Thanks very much for this post – it encouraged me. I’m in the madness of 15-week old twins at the moment
Leigh, So glad I could encourage you! New moms need all the encouragement they can get… especially when it’s times 2! Praying that you can enjoy your wonderful blessings, even when it seems overwhelming.
-Paula
Thanks Paula for some great reminders about the joy of little ones…. I need to remind myself often of the fun they bring to life!
Love your list, a beautiful reminder of the joys of mothering young children.