My kids are growing up. Quickly. It’s like I blinked and suddenly a year has gone by. Didn’t we just bring Baby Silas home, and send little Eli off to Kindergarten? How is it already almost April?! I guess I’ve been a little busier than I realized.
Did you know Silas (aka Soggy Head) has teeth now? He has four! He loves to grab the sides of my face and gnaw on my chin — I don’t love it so much. Still the adamant momma’s boy, his favorite thing is to “walk” around the kitchen holding on to my legs.
Ezra (aka Fat Baby) has way too much to say. Some days I just pause, realizing I’m having a conversation with him. Who said he could have an opinion and thoughts of his own?! And don’t let that serious face fool you, this one is joyously following in the footsteps of his daddy and Papa Gary — ever the comedian.
Princess Pootie-Pants revels in her role of sole girly-girl in our family. If I wouldn’t have already sold my iPhone, I would now as I watch Cora walk around with her laptop and cell phone. She is constantly “texting” her best friend “Welly,” or chatting on the phone with our neighbor, Candace. We’re in super big trouble when she actually has minute and text limits!!
This picture makes me want to cry. Eli is so huge! And Silas looks just like Eli as a baby. I feel like I’m looking at a picture of Eli holding himself. He reads now. Today he told me that he’s got a girlfriend; she suggested it. Haha! But, he still wants me to cuddle him after he wakes up, so I am not too sad…
There are tough days; days where I crave a break, hide in the bathroom and apologize way too many times for losing my temper. When I really think about it, and look into their eyes, I cannot think of anything I’d rather do right now than be their mama. Cuddling with them on the couch. Stirring gallons of chocolate milk. Wiping, wiping, wiping. Kissing their boo-boos. Cheering for their accomplishments. And lots of kisses.
I really am blessed.
Sometimes these everyday moments just pass me by.
I need to pause, take a second, and recognize the good God has given.
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You’ve got some beautiful kids, there 🙂 Enjoy every minute.
Thanks! I’m trying to. Haha!
cute pictures, melissa! sadly, my wife and i were talking last night how we have lacked in taking pictures over the last 2 months. normally we’re pretty good and on top of things. i am grateful for the small, seemingly insignificant moments i get to spend with my kids (feeding them breakfast, brushing their teeth, tickling them before bed).
You all are a tad distracted right now. 🙂 It’s understandable. Haha!
I think every loving parent can relate to this, one day they’re teething and the next day they’re driving. *sigh*
Taking photos helps remember those moments so that if you just happen to let it pass you by then, you can reflect back on it now and thank God because one day, they’ll put their own bandaid on.
Teething. Ugh! Silas is totally cutting teeth this week.
I love taking pictures of my kids. I haven’t taken as many in the last few months without my iPhone, but it just means I have to be more intentional about it.
Gorgeous kids!!
Boy, do I ever know what you mean! My daughter just turned 4 two weeks ago and my son will be 2 in May! I just want to scream, STOP! 🙂
But, each and everyday I thank Jesus for allowing me to be able to stay home with them and enjoy all these little moments with them as they grow. Challenging {very} at times, but it is ALL worth it!
Blessings to you this day!! 🙂
Thanks, Amy! Wow, our kids are close in age! It’s so much fun at this stage — when it’s not overwhelming. I love watching them discover the world around them. God definitely teaches me through them.
My baby chubbadiah will be 1 next month. What the heck and how did I end up with a 9,8,4, and almost 1 year old. I recently put all four kids 6 month baby pictures in frames on a book shelf. I look and cannot believe how much they still look like that.
I always have to stop and be thankful for the fact that i have four kids in great health and that God has blessed me with a husband who works so hard so I can stay at home with the kids and get to see them grow up first hand
Can you believe how quickly the past year has gone by?!
Cute, cute, cute!!!
Thanks! 🙂 Gotta have a couple proud mama moments, right?
I just read your comment on Sarah Markley’s blog about moving out of state. I so understand when life feels like it is on hold. We moved from Southern California 9 months ago to simplify our lives. It was such a stretching process. I have been posting my past journals of the whole event in hopes to comfort anyone that may have to go through what we did. I hear you about your state of limbo. I totally understand.
I look forward to checking that out! Thanks, Janna! 🙂
I love these photos! I want you to take pictures of my family. I know what you mean about Eli, though. It’s hard to see your first baby grow up.
I would love to take some pictures of your kiddies! I love them so. 🙂
AWESOME pictures!!! I love it.
Thanks, Jason! 🙂
We were just talking about something similar in my Bible study this morning. Many of us mamas were talking about how we often feel unappreciated and wish someone would say thanks. But we also were reminded that God has placed us in our homes to be there teaching, cleaning, loving, and that we should look at it as His blessing. Great reminders today!
“God has placed us”
When you put it in that perspective, it truly changes everything! Thanks, Tracie!
My favorite thing to say to my boys is “Stop that growing up! You stop that right now, mister!” 🙂 It goes by waaaaaaaay too quickly. And, I’m realizing more and more how much I need to treasure these moments and build relationships with my children that are more than parent-child. I’m not the biggest advocate of being a “friend” to my child, but I want to be a confidant, a cheerleader, a supporter-not just the one who feeds, clothes, and shelters.
What great thoughts on parenting, Keri! I definitely agree with you that too many parents try to be friends with their kids; I like the roles that you desire to play in your kids’ lives.
You’re kiddos are gorgeous!
Thanks, Tony! 🙂
I totally relate, Melissa. One of my biggest hopes is that, in heaven, we’ll have a time machine where we can go back and relive some of these most precious (albeit harried) of days. My youngest is nearly 11 months now. It’s incomprehensible to me how fast the last year has gone.
I almost feel like I can’t appreciate them fully now, because of how hectic and sleep-deprived I am. That’s when I remember to pause, take a deep breath and treasure the moments up in my heart like Mary did. Not just big moments like birthdays and “firsts,” but everyday experiences.
Sometimes we get busy with running errands and chores, then before I know it the day is over and I realize I missed those special moments with Hadassah. I love days like today, when Hadassah wraps her long arms around my neck and gives me the tightest hugs and sometimes just hangs on for several minutes enjoying the moment (as I am). Or when I lay her down for a nap, and she holds my fingers tight, not wanting me to leave her side just yet. Or while nursing she stares into my eyes and studies my face till she breaks free and smiles the biggest smile. I love days like today and I do cherish them. I don’t want to forget those special moments or take them for granted. Today she is 8 months old and changing fast. What a precious gift being a mom is.
It really is a precious gift! I love all of those moments you shared, Regina. Can you believe how quickly the last few months have gone? 🙂
I don’t want them to grow up, and they’re not even my kids.
Haha! They sure love you! 🙂
We also have a girl and three boys. Our oldest is now 20 and lives on the other side of the country. Our youngest is 13. The older they (and I) get, the more I appreciate how fleeting time is with my kids. It’s such a blessing to be aware of that while they are still very young. Knowing that helps me keep a better perspective on things. I love seeing your pics and remembering our guys at that age. But there is still plenty of love and laughter even when they are older. They still bring us joy and make us proud. It’s just that they’re taller and eat more!
I cannot even imagine what life will be like when they’re older. I know I will miss this stage then, so I try to make the most of it…and I know each stage brings its own blessings and trials with it. Thanks for the encouragement, Larry! 🙂