Time Marches On....

Actually it is stampeding on, at double time, with no regard for the fact that I’d like it to slow down just a bit for now! I remember when I was expecting Malia, and then the first few years of being a mom, those wiser women (and men I guess, but more often it came from older moms) telling me to enjoy every moment because it just goes too fast. It was cute at first, then highly annoying when I reached the end of my first pregnancy and was miserable and impatient, then just plain maddening some days as I wasn’t getting any sleep, or had a constantly crying baby, or was having a day that...well....anyone who has children has had those days that just last f-o-r-e-v-e-r! And on those days, the last thing you want to hear is that it goes too fast! ha! As I look back at the blur of the past 10 years, I’ve found myself repeating those words to other moms. Usually it is in agreement as we sit and chat about how quickly the children grow, how the newborn phase never lasts long enough, how we can’t believe our “baby” is starting preschool/Kindergarten/turning 8....whatever it may be. I’ve found that many times the more appropriate saying for me is “the days are long but the years are short”. Both are too true for my liking many days of the week.

I can’t believe that it’s already been over a week since my little Charlotte arrived. I’m one of those people that just adores every second of the newborn phase, and that always passes much too quickly. I love the little squeaks and whimpers that come as a baby finds their lungs, the funny little faces that punctuate their deep sleep, the skinny little bird legs that chunk up so quickly on my babies.... I used to think the Carter’s (clothing) tagline of “if they could just stay little till their Carter’s wears out” was silly-until a couple of kids into this game when I found myself wishing sometimes it were true. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore each stage of discovery that my kids go through. I love the milestones that come over the years, and seeing my oldest kids becoming independent and discovering and shaping who they are and who they want to be. I guess the combination of the newborn that changes so quickly and my postpartum hormones is causing me to reflect on things a bit more right now! : ) Add that to school starting in a little over two weeks, and the curriculum arriving for my homeschooling kids for this year, and I can’t believe that July is already over. Where did this summer go? I fear that I’ve spent too much time worrying about things that need to be “done” and not enough time just letting things “be”. Hopefully we can make the most of the few days left ahead of us before life dictates that we go back to a regular daily routine....

I am loving every second with this sweet baby girl! I love watching my kids dote on her, constantly asking “how’s she doing?”, and wanting to be near her every moment. Admittedly it’s annoying at times (like when I’m trying to feed her! personal space please!!), but it really is sweet that they are all so concerned for her well being. It has been so cute to watch them try to help out this last week while Aaron has been home running the show.

Thursday was Charlotte’s first dr appointment-I promised I’d check in with our ped since they “let” (ha!) me leave the hospital less than 24hrs after her birth. She’s already gained an inch (how do they do that so fast?), and is back up to her birthweight. My babies always grow too quickly! She’s still a runty 6 1/2lbs, but I know that it won’t last long. bittersweet.

I’ve fallen in love with the song “You’re Gonna Miss This”. If you haven’t heard it look it up. The first time I heard it it was just another cheesy country ballad. Now I can’t listen to it without getting a little emotional. It’s true-I will miss this. I look forward to the many adventures that await me each day, and the growth and changes of our family over the years, but I will miss this. Hopefully I can keep in mind on a more regular basis just how quickly time flies-whether I’m having fun or not-and be more appreciative of the little everyday kind of moments.