This afternoon while I sat downstairs listening to Harrison's seemingly endless cries coming from the crib, I wondered when it would stop. (It's amazing how when you're listening to a baby cry, even 30 seconds seems to drag on and on AND ON!) I wasn't wondering when that particular cry-fest would end - I was wondering when him crying during nap time would end. He doesn't cry during even half of his naps, so I really shouldn't be as annoyed as I was today. Alex was our constantly-crying child. His record was 3 hours non-stop (and he was probably 18 months that day - and not sick or teething). So, a 5 minute "I don't want to be alone for my nap" cry session really shouldn't bother me. But I admit it - I was annoyed.
So, I sat in the dining room debating if it was one of those cries that he'd give-up on, and go to sleep, or if this was one of those times when he won't quit till I go pick him up. (In case the suspense is killing you right about now - I went upstairs and picked him up, and then before I could even locate the binky his eyes were already closed!) As I covered him up with a blanket, and listened to his gentle snoring, I wondered again - "when will it stop?"
As I walked back downstairs I finally realized (or remembered) the answer. It will stop when he stops taking naps - and not a moment before. Alex is 4 and only takes a nap a couple times a week (on the days when he's played extra hard in the morning - or when he's growing). Sometimes he STILL fusses when it's nap time - or when he thinks nap time should be over already, but still hasn't fallen asleep yet. Three more years of occasional (or frequent!) fussing about naps seems like an eternity!
And then it came to me...... the words of an amazing (tear-jerking) book that was read at our church at the end of the sermon on Mother's Day.It wasn't my first time hearing it read - that happened sometime last year. I actually bought a copy after first being introduced to the book, and bought a copy for my sister too. It's about how as Moms, we get excited by our children's FIRSTS, but never know when their LASTS will be - the last time they run barefoot through the yard, the last home run in Little League, the last wave as they head off to college ... It's about appreciating all of the lasts, and all of the possible-lasts in their life.And so, I CHOOSE to appreciate Harrison WANTING me to hold him. I guess in the not-too-distant future he's gonna be shrugging off my hugs and wiping off my kisses. Let me hold you longer, little one!
1 comment:
When they were about to read that book to us AGAIN in church I almost put my fingers in my ears. I knew it would push me over the edge and of course it did. Good for you for focusing on treasuring the moment. I to am trying to do the same thing while changing diarrhea diapers. However, I REALLY don't think I'll be missing the last of those.
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