Motherhood

Addie has been a little frustrating the past few days. Yesterday I feel like we went from temper tantrum to temper tantrum. By the time Keith got home from work I was exhausted and so frustrated with her.

I headed straight off to an appointment without saying Goodbye. 

But when I got home she was fussing in her bed and asking for Mom. I scooped her up and brought her back into my bed to snuggle. As she nuzzled into my neck and rubbed her little fingers on my arm, I was overcome with love for this little being. All the frustration of the day melted away as I watched her little eyelids flutter back asleep. 

At her gymnastics class yesterday, in between dealing with Addie's tantrums, I was talking to a few Moms about when their toddlers were going to Preschool. Some of them were starting a Pre-Preschool program asap. I couldn't believe it, these toddlers were the same age as Addie, not even two, and they are already leaving home! 

I think back to the first day we brought her home from the Hospital. It seems like yesterday, but so much time has past. Our babies are only home for a few short years before they leave the home for school, then later college, missions, marriage. We only have them for a short short time. And I feel like that time is coming faster and faster. It won't be long until Addie will need to start school as well. We only have a few short years left at home together.

And I don't want to miss, take for granted, or live any of this short time, frustrated with my little one (and future little ones). There is no going back once they are grown and gone. 

She won't always want me to read 20 (no joke) books to her in one sitting. She won't always want to listen to the Frozen soundtrack over and over in the car. She won't always want me to play puzzles, blow bubbles, dance to Frozen songs or snuggle in the rocking chair together. This short time where she needs me so much will end so quickly. And I don't want to miss it.

So today I'll read one more story, I'll snuggle a little more before nap time. The dishes can wait till after we sing "Wheels on the Bus" one more time. The floor can wait to be vacuumed, the laundry can wait to be folded. Because toddlers don't wait to grow up. And I don't want to miss a second of it.