Today is a milestone day. My Baby Hat C turns 13 today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY C! It's official in our house...no more little kids. No more kid's meals at restaurants, no more kids admittance prices to movies, theme parks and museums. No more birthday gifts of barbies and toys; it's on to electronics. No more knocking on the neighbor friend's door to come out and ride bikes - we are on to facebook chats and texting. We have moved on into the world of teens. It is a milestone day.
In fact, this is a milestone year.
All my baby hats are reaching milestone ages this year - 21, 16, 13. How strange it is going to be to know that my oldest baby hat can sit down and have a glass of wine with her father and me if she wanted to. How strange to see my middle baby hat move from foot power to horsepower as a means of getting around. And my youngest baby hat...well, we've already covered that!
When they were younger, I remember not really wanting the time to pass before my eyes, but yet always looking forward to the day when they were a little bit more self sufficient. As a young mom with three kids I got worn out and tired. As much as I enjoyed being a mom (and still do) , the thought of a bit of the load lightening with their increasing independence seemed like it would lift some of the weight that I felt. The small little pebbles of "ableness" - buckling their own car seat belt, tying shoes that actually ended up on the right feet, walking to the bus stop for school, gave me the illusion that my job as mom was getting easier. My back was less tired as a child spent less and less time on my left hip. I had two free arms to get things done. When we reached the milestone of having all three kids in school, my load was light....so I thought.
As they have gotten older and reached more milestones, they weight of motherhood is different. I may not have as many physical demands and they may not be as physically dependent, but the load is still there. My back may not hurt and feel like it's going to break, but sometimes my heart does. Sleepless nights because of a crying baby or chasing away nightmare monsters are replaced with sleepless nights of worry or soothing a sad child who has just experienced a breakup with a boyfriend. The milestones that in many ways lifted the load from my back did just that, but placed them right on my heart.
Milestones are necessary. They are to be celebrated. In most ways they are good. The milestones our children reach are indicators that as parents we are doing our job. But, they aren't always easy.
I am so proud of my baby hats and proud of the milestones that they have reached. I am privileged to be able to share their moments of accomplishment and independence. And as much as it weighs my heart to watch them grow up, it also strengthens it. I guess that's so my heart has the muscles for the rest of life's milestones.....
This was a great post on milestones. I try to celebrate and be conscious of the various milestones that my children hit, as well. But mostly, I'm trying to enjoy every moment with them, because time moves so quickly.
ReplyDeleteKendra (we met at a Tweetup in AZ)
Very nice post. There are a whole new set of milestones to pass from now on. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteWell done! Your children have been blessed to have you, such a wise loving woman, for their mom.
ReplyDeleteIt is a privilege and gift to have children and grandchildren and (someday) great grand children to carry in our hearts.
It's funny how when you bring them home from the hospital you think you could never love anyone so much... until you have them and realize how much that immeasurable love has grown, and keeps growing! Now I worry about the decisions and plans and actions he makes....you're right! Moved right to the heart.
ReplyDeleteYou said it perfect. Love this post. My kids are creeping into their teens way to fast. Look forward to reading more of your blog. Found you on MBC.
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