This morning Annesley came toddling into my room, clutching her baby-of-the-moment and a doll pillow and blanket. 'Night-night', she said to me, indicating that I was to swaddle the doll for her. I did it as she watched attentively, no doubt making sure I was careful. I handed the bundle back to her and she tenderly planted a slobbery kiss on her baby's head.
I suddenly felt a sense of sadness, realizing that Annesley will only be my 'baby' for a few more weeks. Of course my love for her will not lessen, but once there is a smaller baby, that sense of protectiveness and tenderness moms have for their tiniest one will be transferred. Annesley will suddenly seem much more grown-up; a sturdy two-year-old who will dwarf a newborn. I'll have to watch out for the new baby when she comes near, as she'll try to 'love' him a little too much. She'll now have a sibling who is more vulnerable than she is.
So, it's bittersweet. So much of motherhood it, isn't it? As much as you try to enjoy your children, it's never enough, it seems. The messes and noises and fights and sleepless nights blur your vision.
And they grow in the midst of it all.
Lord, help me to treasure these last few weeks before our family dynamic changes. Help me not to miss these moments with my little ones because I'm focusing on the discomforts of late pregnancy and my desire for it to be over. Keep my vision clear and my heart tuned to all Your many blessings.
8 comments:
I cried the whole way to the hospital to have Scout because I knew Sawyer wasn't going to be my baby anymore! How silly! But I know how you feel! I'll keep you in my prayers as you finish out your pregnancy! =)
It's amazing how quickly they grow up. But I still think of both my kids as "my babies" and I'm sure I will, no matter how many more babies are added or how big they grow. :) They'll probably hate that fact when they are teenagers/twenty somethings. ;)
Nothing makes time fly faster than watching a child grow. I do hope these last few weeks go smoothly for your pregnancy. Best wishes to you and your growing family!
Oh how I prayed these same things during the last few weeks of my pregnancy with Sarah. Coming so quickly after her big brother, it would be easy for me to completely miss his entire babyhood/toddler years.
I just cried about this same thing yesterday as I read Liam a book (couldn't be because are due dates are just a day apart) Liam has been such a joy to me and it will be hard to see our special bond change, but change it must. Have to remember that love grows as it changes. I'm feeling that last weeks discomfort, hang in there sister!
Oh my goodness, Tiffany! I didn't even know you were expecting! That is so exciting! Do you guys know what you are having? I think Liam is close to Annes age-wise, too. Wasn't he born in March or April?
So Sweet! It does seem they grow up before your eyes. I guess the bittersweetness is also part of the beauty of being a mom:) You will be in my prayers these last few weeks before your newest baby arrives!
When I was a new wife, one of my mentors (homeschooling mom of 9) said to me, "When God gives you more children, He doesn't divide up your love, He multiplies it." I always remembered that, and it encouraged me as our family grew.
Also, there is always a last one, so you eventually will be able to keep the youngest as the youngest! (although that is not always a comforting thought-it, too, is bittersweet ).
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