I have big plans for Will. I think we all do for our kids. My hopes?
When he is a little bit older (but not too old) I want to take a year off and travel the world with him.
I want to see him playing in his first ball game. I want to see him all nervous before his first dance. I want to see him graduate high school, do his first public speaking, fall in love. I want to see him marry the girl (or boy) of his dreams and have babies. Umm…I want to see him get inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. You know the little things.
But this video that I shared on Facebook the other day took me back a step. It’s author Katrina Kenison reading a chapter of her new book, The Gift of an Ordinary Day. It reminded me to stop and enjoy the little things that happen everyday with my boy and not just the ‘photo op’ milestones.
Things like…
The way he waved goodbye to me the other night when I was going out and then ran over and asked for a kiss….and then a hug.
The way he fits into my side like a puzzle piece every night when we read books.
The way he already knows to laugh when he farts…but also says ‘cuse me’.
The way he tries to put my bra and undies on when he finds them on the floor.
The way he eats raspberries off the tips of all his fingers.
The way he catches himself in the mirror and then starts performing.
The way he tells me what he dreamt about every morning (even if it is ALWAYS the damn Wiggles).
The way he sprints over to me when I pick him up at school with a grin from ear to ear.
Big dreams and moments are amazing too…but it’s time to enjoy the little things…before they grow up and leave us…
What are your little moments???? And admit it….farting is on your list too….
This post is timely, as I am struggling with the life/work balance a lot lately and wishing I were home to enjoy all these little things more. Every morning they say “Stay with me, mommy”, and “I want to go wherever you go”.
I love the way their bums wiggle when they dance.
Their angelic faces when they sleep.
Their cute conversations with one another.
When Fiona gives her “look”.
How easily they laugh (I want that one back for myself!).
Love the ‘not meaning ot say the mean things’ line…..
What a nice post, lady. I love overhearing their little conversations with one another. How he helps correct her words or lyrics (if they’re singing) and how they sit down at dinnertime and say “Bon appetite” to each other eery day. Love. LOVE!! I should really record some of this stuff…
I pretty much started my blog to capture all those “unforgettable moments” that you just want to put in a box and be able to open one day and say “OMG I remember when”
Have to say I always manage to be able to have three kids nestled in my lap reading a book and as you said they just all fit like a puzzle…
I miss those days when they were small too…all the time!! And it is the little
moments…the big ones often seemed a little filled with pressures and deadlines…I
miss the lazy summer days in our backyard with the little wading pool…I miss
riding our bikes to Stanley Park for swim classes in the outdoor pool…I miss the
days after Christmas when they were content to stay home and play with their
new toys for hours…I miss the looks of excitement in their faces when we had
a special outing…I miss their rosie cheeks when they came home from skating in our park with their friends…and now I have to sign off because it makes me get tears too easily…so enjoy, enjoy,enjoy, it goes by very quickly…That was a very
powerful video…that woman was bang on…
It’s so true what you said Sara about taking the time to enjoy the little things. I love watching Mia dance, or play with a favourite toy, or seeing her bedhead when she gets up in the morning or from a nap, or playing with the other kids at daycare and she finally notices me and comes running calling “mama”. Thank you for making me stop to think about the little things, Sara.
I love the way jack farts too….and then tries to make himself fart again (that’s when his face turns red). I love how he doesn’t just say no, he says “NO WAY!”. He says please and thank you with the cutest voice, he jumps up and down when he’s excited, he runs circles around the house just for fun, he shakes his head til he’s so dizzy and falls over laughing, he licks the mirror just cause it’s fun to do that of course (and probably b/c i tell him not to), and he gives me the best hugs and kisses (especially the ones on my forehead – how cute is that). I love it all (except the mess). and i love that he always want mommy in the tub with him !
OK…there are many things.. but the Chick has taken to writing notes and leaving them for me. She was at work with me yesterday and left this one in my purse
Dear Mom, I just wanted to take time and thank you for all the things you have done for me. I know it is early but we can alsways thank people for what they do, even if it isn’t thanksgiving. Thank you so much and I take back all the mean things I said about you, I loved you i was just mad. I’m sorry
this came complete with clip art!!
And I love that she says that she will always want to snuggle…even when she is all grown up!
**sigh**
This was an exceptionally tough evening for me so watching that video has me feeling mixed emotions.
Our next door neighbour passed away a few years ago. He was in his early sixties and had several health complications. His wife and I were chatting on the driveway a few months after and she said to me “Christine as much as I miss Ron, the thing that I have missed THE most is having a young family. Being a young family. The kids around. Just around. Here. My house is spotless. And quiet. The things I couldn’t wait to have and now I really don’t want. That just reminds me that my kids have grown up and started their own families and I don’t know where the time went.”
I have never forgotten her words and try to remember that everyday.
I love the way Cuy walks into our room every morning and quietly says “Gmornin Mom”
I love the way Eva calls marshmallows “mushrooms”
I love that my almost 10 year old still calls me “Mommy”
The way Cuyler still does that lip/tongue sucking motion (like a baby) when he sleeps.
The way Eva still sleeps on her belly, bum up (also like a baby)
The way Cam cannot walk anywhere. He runs. With loud heavy feet.
The way all of them leave a mess where EVER they go.
And yes – the way Cuyler laughs and says “Ewww…” whenever someone toots.
Great post Sara – love it!
Lovely post Sara.
My little moments are watching the boys sleep. Sitting beside them on the couch (when I actually sit down – LOL) and admiring when they play together.