on the cusp


As parents we know only too well
that children seem to grow up really fast.
That in what seems like the blink of an eye;
they go from bump to baby to toddler to child.
I can't speak for any older than that
but I have no doubt that it continues at that rate.
Parenthood feels a bit like you're living your life on a roller coaster,
it's fast, it's relentless, it has ups and downs
and much as you might like it to just slow down a bit,
it won't happen, can't happen,
it will keep racing forward.

We talk a lot about the bittersweet nature of parenthood,
and how as much as it's amazing to see them grow and learn and develop
it's also kind of sad how quickly it all happens.

And it is so bittersweet.
I can remember cuddling those warm little newborns like it was yesterday,
the way their bodies moulded into mine,
with that intoxicating milky, new smell.
But my children are not those babies anymore,
and they won't be again,
they will keep growing up and growing older
and I'm okay with that.
Because the alternative is... well... unbearable to even consider.

Lately both my children seem to be on the cusp of big changes.
My beautiful girl seems to be leaving babyhood behind
and is becoming every bit the little toddler with each passing day.
And as she enters toddlerhood
my beautiful boy seems to be leaving it behind 
and it's definitely a proper little boy who stands before me now.

Big changes seem to be happening
and right now I am oh-so-aware of how fast they grow,
but, perhaps for the first time, those changes aren't giving me that pang of melancholy.
In the past I've always kind of mourned the changing phases,
I've been excited for all the new skills and milestones, don't get me wrong
but I've been sad at the same time.
But something about the changes we've been seeing lately,
is just too exciting to be sad about.

My children are getting closer by the day
and are real, proper friends and playmates.
The rapidly increasing understanding and communication 
is so fun to witness and to be a part of.
Our days are a mixture of games 
and make believe 
and a whole lot of laughter.
And I wouldn't change that,
not even for those addictive milky snuggles.

Of course they will always be my babies.
And at some point in each day
those babies suddenly don't seem so far away after all.
Like when my little man wakes up from his nap
all rubbery faced and in need of cuddles while he comes round fully.
Or when my little miss is fresh out of the bath,
wrapped in a fluffy towel sleepily sucking her thumb.

But I'm happy to take those fleeting baby moments,
breath them in,
enjoy the way life slows down in those seconds.

...And then embrace the momentum 
as the rollercoaster picks up pace again.

17 comments

  1. Such a lovely pair, so smiley!
    It does all go so fast. It feels like not so long ago that my girl was a baby, now she'll be starting school in September! xx

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    1. It really does go so quickly. It feels like you have all the time in the world when they're first born, but my little boy will be starting school next year, and it's crazy how fast the time is flying. x

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  2. It is so scary how fast they change isn't it?! We are 7 months in to my little man's life and the last month just went by so quickly, so many changes were going on for him, he's becoming such an independent little boy. Like you though, those moments at bath time or cuddling up at nap time or sitting in the feeding chair at bedtime keep those "baby baby" moments alive for now :0 xo

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    Replies
    1. I think seven months was about the last time I felt like we were facing all these big changes. At five months they are still such a baby, but somewhere between there and about eight months they grow up so much don't they. x

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  3. What a gorgeous photo of the two of them, I think it might be a framer! And I do know what you mean, I always feel like I feel sad about leaving each stage behind, especially with LL but then at the same time I always look forward and enjoy each stage. I always say 'I wish I could keep them at this stage' when I said the same thing two months previously! x

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    Replies
    1. Thanks lovely, it was nearly my Siblings photo, but then I thought the other one caught their relationship better. I think thats exactly it though, every stage kind of feels like the best stage, until the next one comes along. x

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  4. Lovely photo of the two of them. Definitely agree with Katie, it's a framer. I hate that they grow so fast. I feel like my two are flying through the baby stage where I want to keep them small, cuddly, cute, and young forever. Buba is getting so big and tall I feel I can't scoop him up like a baby anymore as he is more than half my size. boo. This post is so sweet. I can't never get great pictures of both of mine together.

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    Replies
    1. Ahh, thank-you. It certainly all happens so quickly, but it does seem to keep getting better, so I can't complain too much. x

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  5. Such a cute pic Lucy :)
    I am over my sentimentality of the other day though - both are annoying the hell out of me again lol
    It is crazy how fast it all goes but like you say the alternative of freezing time is a horrendous though ;) xx

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  6. This is exactly how I feel about my two. Archie is getting bigger and clever, he will be walking and talking soon and Dylan is an intelligent and curious little boy now. I miss the babies but I love the newness of everything they are going through too

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  7. So so true.
    Lucy you have a beautiful blog, i love reading your posts.
    XX

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  8. That sounds like the very best way to be - living in the moment, whether it's a baby one or an oh my goodness when did you get so big one!

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  9. Beautifully put. I still can't believe my baby is almost 9 months.

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  10. They always look so happy together - really is lovely to see x

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  11. I feel this way all the time but couldn't seem to put into words like you have here. Beautiful post. :)

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