Parenting Fun Fact #99

So in all actuality, the #99 doesn’t mean anything other than that as parents we have a ton of things to learn. Some we learn through trial and error, some through reflection, and others we don’t learn until it is too late. Parenting is a tough gig and no matter how many children you have or how many books you read, you are guaranteed to still learn a thing or two along the way.

The fun fact that I want to share with you today, I actually heard from a wise mama when my oldest, B, was about three months old. She was the first person, other than family, that took care of our baby girl and she shared this small piece of advice with me. At the time it didn’t mean as much as it does now, mainly because B was only 3 months old.

Fun Fact #99: As parents we are always eager for the next stage or the next step in our kids’ lives, sometimes we just need to enjoy them now, in this moment.

Parenting

 

How true is that? We can’t wait until they can roll over or sit up. Then, we can’t wait until they start eating real food, walking, and talking.

The truth is, they will reach those milestones and surpass them and they will continue to grow, learn, and surprise the heck out of you, but you will never get those days back.

Over the past three and a half years that advice has popped back into my head SO many times and today it rang true again. This time I just had to laugh…

For over a year now we have been concerned with Shrimps’ speech. She just hasn’t been about it and we have done everything to try to help her.

After every meltdown or fit of frustration I would think, “Man I can’t wait until she can talk.”

Now, she is starting to get the hang out it and though I feel like we still have some work to do, she is able to let you know how she feels most of the time.

So now all I hear at least ten times a day is her sweet little voice, half crying half yelling, “Briar push” or “Kaylee bite.” And although I’m so happy that she is finally able to communicate with us, I realize that I have also reached the critical AND not-so-pleasant tattling phase.

I know that I will still have my moments where I will wish that they could wipe their own butts but I’m also trying to live in this moment, right now. They are already growing so fast and with each new milestone (you know the one we wanted them to so badly reach), they are also growing more and more independent. And while that is exactly what we want for our children it is also heartbreaking.

So, let them be little! 

 

Enjoy the phase that your children are in right where they are. They may not be there for long and they sure won’t be there again.

Also try to remember that each new phase, though it may seem more appealing at the time, will bring with it its own set of problems or complications.

As for me, I’m soaking up Shrimp’s tattling because for the first time she is talking and talking a lot! 🙂

 

 

 

Also check out:

A Child’s Smile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bloopers: What Happens Between the Pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 Books for Moms