Time flies, doesn't it? Everytime I catch myself wishing away a trying moment or longing for the end of a bad day, I remind myself that time goes way too fast. I remember with my oldest child when he was a baby having feelings of guilt if I put him down and wasn't just holding him all the time. My mom wisely advised me that I would need to get over that. I am feeling that way again with my new little bundle. So many things pull me in all different directions. It would be nice if someone could take care of all my responsibilities and I could just play and cuddle with the kids all day and use their nap time to read or blog or do fun activities that I want to do. I was talking with my sister-in-law about how motherhood is selfless. It makes you a better person. I often wonder what I did with all my free time before I had kids. I cherish my role as a mother and everyday I wish I could freeze time so that they don't grow up. They are just so precious at these ages.
One of my favorite movies is Hook, a modern remake of Peter Pan, and there is a great moment where Moira (the mom who is married to a grown-up, work-obsessed, stuffy, uptight, Peter Panning who doesn't remember he is Peter Pan) is pleading with her husband and father to her two young children: "Your children love you, they want to play with you. How long do you think that lasts? Soon Jack might not even want you to come to his games. We have a few special years with our children, when they're the ones that want us around. After that you're going to be running after them for a bit of attention. It's so fast, Peter. Just a few years, and it's over. And you are not being careful. And you are missing it." That just says it all to me and it is one of my favorite all-time quotes. If you haven't seen the movie, I recommend it.
One of my favorite movies is Hook, a modern remake of Peter Pan, and there is a great moment where Moira (the mom who is married to a grown-up, work-obsessed, stuffy, uptight, Peter Panning who doesn't remember he is Peter Pan) is pleading with her husband and father to her two young children: "Your children love you, they want to play with you. How long do you think that lasts? Soon Jack might not even want you to come to his games. We have a few special years with our children, when they're the ones that want us around. After that you're going to be running after them for a bit of attention. It's so fast, Peter. Just a few years, and it's over. And you are not being careful. And you are missing it." That just says it all to me and it is one of my favorite all-time quotes. If you haven't seen the movie, I recommend it.
So when I have frazzled days, have wiped far too many poopy bums, broken up too many fights, given too many time-outs, and missed too many hours of sleep, I remember that these are just a few special years and I definitely don't want to miss it.
Betina
11 comments:
I feel the same way, My boyfriends daughter was 2 when we first started dating and loved curling up in my lap for me to read her book after book. Now she is 10 and is so busy doing her own thing she barely notices when I get home from work
This was good for me to read today after a long few weeks with a colicky and fussy 8 week old. This time will pass all too quickly!
Thanks for the reminder, Betina. I have had a few of those days lately and I get so frustrated that I just want to run and hide. They really do test my patience! It's hard because I feel I do so much for them and when I ask for a few minutes of peace so I can make a phone call... I just expect them to do it and not question me or begin screaming while I am on the phone with the doctor... discussing THEIR issues, not mine, mind you! I miss those days when I thought life was so simple... with one! But I wouldn't give up what I have with them now for anything... maybe just ask for a few minutes of peace - just a *few* minutes... ;)
I love Hook too, and there is that scene when they make it back, and their Mom is asleep, just waiting for them to return, and they see her there asleep in the chair, and one of them says, "She's so beautiful!". Something like that, but it gets me every time.
Courtney
Yes agreed with you fully on this. The years gone by so fast.
What a great reminder of what truly matters in life.
I was just talking about this the day before yesterday. Since my oldest is a Marine and living far away, it really helps me to see just how fast these precious moments go. It seems just like yesterday he was playing T-ball or having his first date. Now, he's all grown up and on his own. I missed too many moments being busy doing other things.
I definitely parent my younger kids different. I no longer wish for them to grow up, I want them to stay just the age they are (I know, not realistic, but a mom wants what a mom wants). The things that used to get on my nerves are now things I appreciate. Time goes by so fast. You only get one shot at it. Cherish it all.
This is such a good reminder for all of us. :) I LOVE Hook too. My kids just saw it for the first time--it was so fun.
P. S. I'd love it if you want to join "The Golden Sky" blogfest. It's open sign-ups until 11/17 :)
Here's that link:
http://ecwrites.blogspot.com/2011/09/only-50-more-days-until-golden-sky.html
Isn't it funny that all real mummies sound alike. I had a breakfast yesterday with some kindergarten mums and this was all we talked about.
Oh, Betina, this is so true!! I know that I get frustrated too. But, time does go too quickly. I will be so sad when this time of them actually loving us and wanting to be with us is over. I know that we'll always be friends, but I'll miss this young age. I need to give them both extra hugs tomorrow!
Ahh, I try to enjoy every moment I can with my daughter and husband. Life is too short to not live it to the fullest. I wish I could 'freeze time' as well and keep her little and precious for always. But they have to grow up someday :(
Have a safe and happy Halloween,
Barbara
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