To The Mom in a Changing Season

 

Dear Mom in a Changing Season,

This is just a little note to those of you who are moving beyond the deepest trenches of motherhood, the ones who are changing seasons.  The ladies that are coming from that season of life where time seems to stand still and speed up, all at the same time.  The season of bottles and diapers, of sleepless nights and long days.  Maybe this is your “last” baby, and you are still coming to terms with the fact that you just ditched the bottle.

See, I have been where you are.  To me, it seems like a lifetime ago and yesterday, all at the same time.  I am here to give you hope, and to tell you that while time marches on you don’t have to mourn.  I see these wonderful blog posts telling me to savor the moment, that I will miss my babies being so little.  In truth though that is only a small part of a big picture.

You see I am changing seasons, and moving into a new time of life.

In my house, we have moved away from the diapers and bottles and onto the board games & crafts.  Let me tell you a little secret. I am loving this season of our lives!  My children are now right in the middle.  They are old enough to be somewhat independent, but young enough to still need (and want) their momma.

Do I sometimes miss snuggling during those middle of the night feedings?  Yes, of course, I do.  However, I am also enjoying finding bits of myself again, because to tell you the truth, I think I lost part of me during those blurry years. I had forgotten how good a hot meal could taste, or what it was like to have an uninterrupted conversation with a good friend.  You know, that friend who is also moving into her new season.

The best part though is watching my girls grow into their own.  I get to experience the newness of the world again, every day with them.  The light in their eyes when they learn to read, the sheer joy of riding a bicycle, or the thrill of fishing with their dad.  These are pure, satisfying moments of fun.  I am starting to see their personalities shine through.  The oldest is so sweet and serious.  She challenges me in ways I could have never imagined.  My youngest is quirky and funny, with a huge imagination.  She brings color into my world.

You see friend, the truth of the matter is this, I can’t stop time.  I can’t hold it back or beg it not to move, it just does. So I could mourn the fact that I no longer have those tiny babies, or I can grow with them.

Don’t think for a second that I am glad the clock is marching forward.  I know this is a precious, fleeting time in my life.  So tonight when my quirky, toothless 7-year-old climbs up on my lap I will hold her just a bit longer.  I will breathe in just a bit deeper because time stops for no one.  So take the good & the bad my friends, but move forward.  Don’t get trapped into being so stuck in what was, that you can’t see what is.

(Need more mom inspiration?  Check out two of my favorites…..The Pinterest Mom Perception & Let It Go)