Be Here Now
Source: etsy.com via Jen (QuatroMama) on Pinterest
I remember when the boys were tiny and we were so anxious for them to sleep through the night.
Sometimes I miss those quiet moments in the middle of the night when I didn’t rush back to bed, but held them a little longer in the darkness.
I remember when I couldn’t wait to be done with bottle feedings on every third hour.
But the clean up and planning was nearly brainless.
I remember looking forward to their first steps.
Was there really once a time when I would put them in one spot and they wouldn’t go anywhere?
I remember thinking “that will be the day” when they learn to feed themselves, dress themselves, strap themselves in their car seats.
Sometimes I miss them not needing me so much.
And now when I’m faced with kindergarten being just around the corner, and their independence growing by the day, I have to remember to love this fleeting moment that we are in together.
To let them be little just a little while longer.
Because someday they won’t prance around the house chanting, banging on fire hats, twirling oversized pencils, while pretending to be in a parade.
I have to be here in the NOW.
Great use of a firemen’s helmet!
It is true that perhaps the hardest thing to do is appreciate the now instead of looking to the future or missing the past.
Crazy that they’ll be in kindergarden! Our eldest will be next year as well. We are likely moving him from his private school to public school as a result of our surprise second set of twins, so should be interesting!
Thanks for the encouragement…can’t BELIEVE how fast it flies!
SO true! I feel like that everyday. And just when I’m ready for them to leave, they’re back and school and it’s quiet around here!
But I’m okay with it today… 🙂 Maybe tomorrow will be different. 🙂
Love the parade!
Good to hear your perspective, Hilary! Do I get to see you soon? <3
Moved to tears! Such a true post. Just last night as I was up in the night with one of my almost 4 year old twins…how I just wished he would stop waking up in the night so much…yet how I knew I would miss these quiet moments! They grow so fast…trying to enjoy each moment! Thanks for the reminder to stay in the here and now!
Awww, Julie. So so sweet of you to comment. <3 Let's keep reminding each other in the craziness of it all. Deal?
So so true! I remember when you little boys were babies too and it seems like just yesterday for me. I know they grow up so fast, my babies are now having babies and I can’t wait for my first little grand daughter to be born next month! You and Brad are wonderful parents and your boys are going to be shining examples of who good Christian men are. Thank you for sharing. Your friend in East Texas, Pam.
Pam, it’s always an encouragement to read a comment from you! Thank you and blessings to you and your growing family!
Living in the “here and now” is a constant struggle for me. I’m always waiting for one of my kids to get out of a phase so we can move on with random XYZ, whatever XYZ is.
I know I struggle, and I hate it.
Right there with ya, Mama! Good to read that you are in a content place right now with all you have going…praying for you as the anticipation continues! Love you!
Loved this! So so true! It has taken me 15 years of parenting & baby number 6, although I almost accomplished it with baby number 5, to allow myself the time to just be content. Cleaning is a last priority, dishes, shopping, almost everything takes a back seat to my precious family; especially our 8 month old. She has taken over our lives. Almost nothing gets in the way of holding her, snuggling with her, smelling her, watching her, playing with her, letting her nurse for another 30 minutes after she has fallen to sleep, & loving her. I finally have it figured out. I hope my other children will be okay, even though I hurried some of them through each of their little stages. I am hanging on to these sweet moments, because as I look at our older children, I am sadly reminded that moments don’t last, & our babies grow up.
Jen, you are doing a wonderful job with your family. I look forward to reading your posts & feeling uplifted, inspired, & motivated by the things you share. Thank you.
Blessings always,
Jeanette
Always such sweet words! Thank you so much for sharing here, Jeanette. Hugs to you all!
I really love this blog..I am really inspire while reading on it..Thank you for sharing this to us..
my favorite jim elliott quote is “wherever you are, be all there.” thanks for the reminder to do that in parenting as well!