At this time last year I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first little boy. It was my third delivery, but still just as special as the first. There's something about growing a little baby in your body for nine months that just makes you yearn to lay your eyes on him for the first time, count his ten fingers and ten toes, hear his first cry, and snuggle him for the first time. For me it could have been the fact that so much effort, pain, discomfort, and especially VOMIT was put into growing my babies that made me long that much more;). All jokes aside, given the opportunity, I would not think twice about going through it again if it meant the blessing of having each of my children in my life. If my husband hadn't handled the issue, I'd probably be convincing him to let me do it again, but our child-rearing days are now complete...Bittersweet right?!!!
Since this time last year so much has changed. We went from sleepless nights, with several middle of the night feedings to a full night's rest. I remember being able to accomplish so much while Crew slept the day away and being able to divide my time between my children much more easily. Now it's a constant battle for one on one mommy time amongst a messy house. I went from having a kindergartener to now preparing Camryn for first grade. I have went from dreading the next time I had to stop an activity to nurse a baby to now longing for that one night time feeding (partly b/c I feel like I could explode a milk volcano at any moment and partly b/c I know these days are so few). Never again will I nurse a baby again:( Just about a month or maybe two ago I had a little army crawler getting from place to place and into everything, but now I have a professional speed crawler still into everything and pulling up on everything, whether it falls on top of him or not. I once had a toothless little grin that smiled with his eyebrows, but now I have the most precious smile with 6 pearly whites gleaming, and it melts my heart just the same.
This year I have learned how to live as a mommy of three, which has been difficult, but such a blessing that I wouldn't trade for anything. I'm not saying that there are not days when I just want to throw in the towel, but I have to remind myself that this will only last a season and when it's over, I'll be wishing for its return. Today I celebrate my Crew man...his feisty attitude, big appetite, beautiful smile, wide-open mouth kisses, special cuddles, attention demanding personality, chunky legs, and forever my baby boy. Happy birthday to my favorite son. Mommy loves you Tttthhhhiiiiisssss much!
There are so many sweet memories I have with my little man, and I have tried to soak up all my baby time with him, but I still wish I could have just a little more time. Isn't that what we always end up wishing for when people grow up, move on, or die? More time...it's something we'll never get so everyday must be lived intentionally and feelings must be expressed and time MUST be cherished. Who do you need to tell how special they are? What relationship do you need to reconcile? What has been getting in the way of you making the most of your time and living without regret? Who do you need to share Jesus with?
Jesus said, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." Mark 13:32-33
I hope that today you will be encouraged to cherish time, whatever that may mean for you. Life is short and flies by so make the most of this life! Until next time friends!
Proverbs 27:1: Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
