Today I took Lydia to the park. I walked 1.25 miles (I’ve got to fit into a bathing suit in less than a month!). Then Lydia and I played at the playground. There were a lot of kids there and most of them had matching shirts. Finally, I figured out they were having a Preschool Graduation party–from the same daycare I went to when I was a kid! I was in daycare from the time I was 6 weeks old. My parents always worked and even worked two jobs for us sometimes.
It gave me a weird feeling to see all those kids there. I remember being at that daycare. Seeing pictures of myself at 3 years old. Dressing up, singing songs, playing on the playground and making friends all clearly stick out in my mind.
Just a few years ago, my mom and dad were probably at the park with me celebrating my preschool graduation. In fact, while we were walking the trail, I saw a field where I clearly remember playing as a family–Daddy throwing us up in the air, Jason running around and us eating on a blanket.
Now I’m on the other end. I’m the mom bringing her daughter to the park. I’ll be at the preschool graduation soon. Then I’ll be at the High School Graduation. Then I’ll be the Grandmother.
It’s almost too much to take in. If I think about it too long, it’s physical. It’s like losing your breath.
Oh, how I want to make every moment count in my daughter’s life! I don’t want to wake up one day and say,”Who is this teenager?” or be surprised at her desires and dreams. I want to partner with her, to partner with God and to see her partner with God so she can live her dreams.
All this flew through my head while watching little kids on the playground.
Oh, wow, I have those same thoughts all the time! Today I was watching Helen play … it is amazing, you can just see her learning something new. Suddenly, in the last month or so, she’s looking like a toddler to me, not my little baby. It shocks me when I look back and think of how fast these 9 months have gone by. But, then, I was 18 yesterday and somehow I turned 30 this year. It is overwhelming how fast time goes by.
I force myself to remember this every time I’m exhausted by my baby who still won’t sleep through the night, every time I am overwhelmed by the complete lack of personal space, every time I just wish she would stop crying and tell me what’s wrong! It’s already going by so fast, I want to cling to these precious moments, even when they don’t seem so precious!
Thanks for the wonderful words.
Oh, I hear ya. It’s absolutely terrifying, isn’t it?
It is great to have these little ‘Aha’ moments! I think God is gracious to give them to us. They remind us of the ‘Big Picture’ we want in the end. It keeps us from being overwhelmed by the temporary defeats we experience as a parent. We can see the battle “To train our children in the way they should go” is hard work, but a reward worth fighting for!! It is a glimpse into the possibilities. A reminder to enjoy every moment. We experience seasons that may seem too much to endure at times, while others we pray will never end. How precious that God gave you that moment!!
Many blessings to you!
I think every mom experiences these moments and are greatful we can realize that these little people are that for a short time – little. And then they’ll be all grown up, our age with little people of their own. I pray that the Lord gives you insights into Lydia’s heart so you can all be bound together by God’s love.
I have been having so many “kids stop growing up!” thoughts lately. We have to hold them close while we can.
What a special day, Amanda. You’re right- in one way it goes sooooo fast and you need to hold on to all of those moments. On the other hand, God has graciously allowed each day, each month, each season, each year to go slowly enough that there’s lots to enjoy and plenty of time to “know” Lydia. Spending time- and you’re doing such a marvelous job of that- is really the key. And you’re doing such a good job of chronicling (sp?) everything with photos and your blogs that it will all be even more memorable!
My daughter just graduated from the pre-K class at daycare. She’s been going to the same daycare since she was 13 weeks old!!! I just cannot believe how fast it flies by. Treasure every moment! 🙂
What a great post, A. You hit the nail on the head. I hope to partner up like this, too. Hugs to you, my friend, a wonderful wonderful mamma 🙂