When "we" have babies we are constantly watching intently for the "first time" he or she does something. You know, like smile, coo, walk. These are such exciting milestones and us moms can't wait to write them down in our little one's baby book.
Lately though I have been thinking a lot about "the last time" and realizing how much I would like to remember those moments as well. Unfortunately it is much more difficult to know this.
For instance, I wonder when the last time Katelyn said "butted" when she wanted butter. Or when she said "ja" for yes. When was the last time Connor made the most adorable horse sound you ever heard, "ne-pheeeeew" (can't really figure out how to actually write that). When was it that Maggie last asked for her binky, I know it was a while after we took it away but when was it?
When was the last time they chose crawling over walking because it was faster? When was the last time they used those cute little words that sounded nothing like the word they were trying to say but it was ok because I knew just what they wanted? When was the last time I carried each of them in my safe arms across the parking lot?
When will it be the last time that Ben gets out of the bath and lays on the towel on the floor? When will it be the last time that Ben says "no" when he means yes because he doesn't say yes yet? When will it be the last time that I carry him across a parking lot?
When will it be the last time Connor will run up to me and give me a huge hug when I arrive at his soccer game? When will it be the last time Connor wants chocolate milk first thing in the morning?
When will it be that Maggie has her last accident while she is sleeping? When will it be that she puts on her last animal show for me?
When will it be the last time that Katelyn snuggles up with blanky at bed time or when she is sick? When will it be the last time that Katelyn will be willing to trade just about anything just to hang out with me?
Some of these "last times" will be welcome for sure but some of them will only be realized much later when we think back. Just like "the first time", "the last time" symbolizes a big step in our children's lives. A step where they leave a "younger behavior" behind to grow and mature a little more.
There really isn't much I can do about realizing these moments short of marking the calender every time Ben says no when he really means yes. Kind of unrealistic I think.
So basically even though I can't change it I sure have been thinking about it a lot. The "last time", such big steps in my little monkey's lives...
Oh my goodness! I think about this a lot. I think about it with my kids and also when I think about my own childhood. I think it is almost better that we never know it is the "last time". I know if someone told me that the night my dad tucked me into bed was going to be the last time that I would never have let go. Hope everyone feels better and rejoice like me that our little 21 month old monsters still just like to say "no" and still need their mommies! : )
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