Motherly Advice: Babies No More

I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always,

As long as I'm living

my baby you'll be.

~ Love You Forever, the "never-fails-to-produce-tears" children's book by Robert Munsch

I asked my Darling Boys, "Who's my baby?" and then specifically to my not-quite 3 Darling 2, "Are you my baby?" His reply, "No, usses are boys!"

And just like that I officially have no more babies. Not so long ago, Darling 2 would have answered, "Yes, Mama, Me Your Baby." And now, he is a boy. Admittedly, it's been a while since my over 3 and half foot tall, 40 pound 2 year-old resembled anything close to a baby, but in my mind, they will both always be my babies.

This week is our last full week of summer and life as we have known it for the last 5 years is changing as we get ready to embark on the next giant step of childhood with Darling 1 starting Kindergarten.

As any well-meaning person with older children will tell you, it all goes so fast; so, enjoy all the moments. Yes, yes, I know, but quite frankly, there are some moments I don't want to linger over. And more than likely if they stopped to think about it they would remember how much they hated to be told this by strangers as they struggled with their kids to "just straighten up and focus on the task at hand", etc.

OK, maybe I'm projecting my thoughts and feelings about this matter onto my hypothetical, older stranger; and it's true, it does go by so fast and for some parts I'm grateful that it does.

I've never been one to lament the growing up, the maturing, and the reaching of new milestones. I enjoy seeing what comes next. I look forward to the new experiences and adventures. I like moving forward.

That isn't to say that I don't occasionally look back over the years and think about when my Darling 1 was a tiny peanut weighing less than 7 pounds and mommyhood was brand spanking new; recall how proud Darling 2 was when at 6 months he began to pull up at the train table and cruise around it while "playing" with his big brother; or remember the matter-of-fact moment that 26 month old Darling 1 first saw Darling 2 at the hospital, saying, "Is that our Baby?" and simply answering, "OK." when I affirmed it was indeed "our baby."These are all sweet memories burned into my brain, and I will continue to gather and store such moments.

They will always be my babies no matter how old they are, and I hope and pray they will always know that. I don't mean I will "baby" them, but that they will always mean the world to me; their needs will always be a priority to me; their voices will be able to reach me from any corner of the earth at any time; and I will stand behind them at all times, even if the world turns its back on them. To me, that's what it means to be a mother. That is what my mother has been to me.

It's Saturday…. Go eat some chocolate {this actually applies to everyday}. It's good for you, and you deserve it!

Anna

Nota Bene: I hold these truths to be self-evident, that all parents and kids are not created equally, but are wholly individual in personality and style. Regardless of these differences, the basic needs of love, patience and support remain constant. Here are the weekly affirmations, tips and reminders. Unless otherwise noted, these are entirely my opinion. Take them with a grain of salt, or not!

Comments

[Sally]

Anna,
Did Peggy or Will ever tell you that when Peggy was small,someone asked her a question, and she replied" usses did it",and that was what Wilson called her from then on.

love you,
Sally

[TLM]

This is a treasure!! Beautifully and meaningfully written! Thank you!! I have mixed feelings about D1 starting kindergarten as well, but am expecting really good things for him!!

[Anna]

Sally

Yes, I know. Isn't that funny?! It's very cute!

Thanks for reading!

Anna

[Anna]

Thanks, TLM!