I have read a lot of articles and blogs lately that go into detail about the reality of day to day life with kids. The authors expose their frustration and exasperation with lack of sleep, tantrums, outings and the general neediness of their children. These commentaries are witty, funny and have an attraction that comes with honesty. Most of them have a paragraph or sentence at the end that states how their kids are worth it all-every sleepless night, every time they can't leave on time, and every tantrum in the middle of the grocery store.
This past week, I have been especially appreciating our not so little baby. The trials of parenthood seem small lately. All of a sudden it seems, she is growing into a toddler. I turn around to find her investigating anything she can get her hands on. Recently, she found a dead bug and decided to munch on it as well as some cords lying on the floor. Yeah, Mommy and Daddy haven't quite baby-proofed everything.
I realized how quickly 9 months has passed. She is becoming more and more independent by the day. As I was giving her a hug the other day, the future flashed before my eyes. It was as though I could feel myself hugging this same little girl 20 some years from now.
I am letting go to allow her explore her world now, and I will be then, too. Whether she decides to go off to school, start a business, travel, get married-whatever it is- I will give her the same tight squeeze before sending her on her way to find out what this world is all about. I want to hold her longer. I don't want her to get hurt or find that what seemed so exciting isn't that great. No, I don't want her to feel the sting of rejection and disappointment, but I know she must. It's a part of growing up that she must learn to endure and then, press on.
Rocking her last night, I told her that no matter what, we would be there for her. No matter where she was, what happened, or what she did or didn't do...her parents would always be there to squeeze her tightly when she needed it. That's our job, and we will never quit.
This past week, I have been especially appreciating our not so little baby. The trials of parenthood seem small lately. All of a sudden it seems, she is growing into a toddler. I turn around to find her investigating anything she can get her hands on. Recently, she found a dead bug and decided to munch on it as well as some cords lying on the floor. Yeah, Mommy and Daddy haven't quite baby-proofed everything.
I realized how quickly 9 months has passed. She is becoming more and more independent by the day. As I was giving her a hug the other day, the future flashed before my eyes. It was as though I could feel myself hugging this same little girl 20 some years from now.
I am letting go to allow her explore her world now, and I will be then, too. Whether she decides to go off to school, start a business, travel, get married-whatever it is- I will give her the same tight squeeze before sending her on her way to find out what this world is all about. I want to hold her longer. I don't want her to get hurt or find that what seemed so exciting isn't that great. No, I don't want her to feel the sting of rejection and disappointment, but I know she must. It's a part of growing up that she must learn to endure and then, press on.
Rocking her last night, I told her that no matter what, we would be there for her. No matter where she was, what happened, or what she did or didn't do...her parents would always be there to squeeze her tightly when she needed it. That's our job, and we will never quit.
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