February 28, 2007

Enjoying My Kids Now

We had some friends who have a 16-month-old over on Sunday, and my friend asked if I miss the baby days (out of curiosity, not as if I should miss them). I thought about it, but I really don't miss it much. That isn't because I didn't enjoy my children when they were babies, but because I am enjoying them now. Every year brings new joys, changes and challenges.

As I type this, my youngest three are in the basement playing ninja turtles. They just came up to show me my youngest daughter with a big laundry basket strapped to her back, saying, "Look, Mom! She's a turtle!" I love watching them growing together, playing together, and developing new ideas.

My oldest, who just turned 13, is sitting on the couch with his dad, who is trying to fix a website while he helps Nathan with his math. I won't lie and say that this transition period between childhood and young adult is easy right now - we are definitely facing some challenges - but I love having conversations with my oldest son more than ever. He is maturing physically, mentally, and spiritually, and we are able to talk on a much deeper level now.

I often get comments insinuating that I should miss those baby days. Sometimes I do miss my kids' total dependence on me, but it is so exciting to watch all of the wonderful and even not-so-wonderful changes in my children as they grow. I wouldn't go back - I am enjoying "now" way too much!

2 comments:

  1. ...our oldests are very close in age. My son will be 13 in August and it is interesting to see the changes in him. Some of them good, some of them not so good! I look forward to seeing how God directs his life.


    Yvonne :o)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I admit I had baby withdrawal. I do love the little years. But, on the other hand, I enjoy where our kids are now. I am glad we got married and we had a family.


    I couldn't be happier than i am with you.


    I love you.

    ReplyDelete