Three sweet words, I don’t hear often enough.
As AG gets older, she’s becoming more independent.
“Mama, I want to get down. I want to walk by myself.” Gone are the days of going to Target with a baby on my chest and the second in the cart. She now wants to walk all by herself. Which usually turns into running and chasing her around the store.
The other day, she opened the pantry, pulled a step stool up and grabbed a granola bar. “Mama, my tummy is grumpy, I need something to eat.” She didn’t ask for help, she did it herself.
One of AG’s favorite things to do is get L up from his nap. Last week, she heard him crying on the monitor. She came over to my computer, grabbed the monitor and told me “mama, L’s awake.” She proceeded to go to his room and opened his door. She looked back at me, moved her hand up into a stop motion and said “no mama, I got him.” Bless her big sister heart. She walked in singing the song we sing when we get him up and received the BIGGEST smiles I’ve ever seen.
When did she grow up? When did she get old enough to be able to do all of this on her own? I can’t take it. As much as I love this little lady she’s turning into, it takes a toll on my heart.
But the other day, at 6:45am I heard “mama, I uuup” on the monitor. When I heard it, I looked at the clock and noticed it was before 7am. I was just finishing up clearing out my inbox and had one more thing I wanted done before the kids were up for the day. I took a deep breath and headed upstairs to get her. When we came back down, I asked if she wanted to watch Daniel Tiger while I finished something up. Still focused on the one work task I wanted to check off my list. She looked up with her big brown eyes and crazy hair and said “mama, hold me” reaching her arms up for mine.
I scooped her up and pulled her into my arms. Her head rested perfectly on my shoulder and her arms hung on tight. I grabbed a blanket, found a comfortable spot on the couch and we snuggled in. The house was silent. Just me and my sweet girl in my arms as the sun started to shine through the tiny holes in the blinds.
The things on my to do list no longer mattered. It was one of those moments where time stood still. I didn’t want to blink or move, I wanted everything in that moment to stay the way it was forever.
I listened to her breathe as she gently stroked the back of my arm with her tiny fingers. I took in her scent, rubbed her back and cherished the moment.
What she didn’t know that morning was I needed that as much as she did. These are the moments parenting is all about. The moments of pure sweetness and unconditional love. The ones that make you think you’re doing everything right.
I’d hold you forever, sweet girl.
And I’m crying. We are well on our way to independence over here too. Everything is “me do it all by my big self.” It’s crazy how fast they grow and while it’s awesome to see them learning and thriving it’s so hard too!
What a beautiful post. My little man is on the same independent train and when we have moments like these I realize that I need them more than he does. Thanks for sharing.
Sylvie Baccega recently posted…Scenes from the Weekend
OMG, Abbie is JUST like this – so so independent…. but the sweetest moments are the ones where she cuddles before bed or wants mama to kiss her boo-boos. She likes to lay in our bed and pretend “night-night” and its the only time she cuddles… and it’s the best time. Cherish those little moments. <3
Jess Beer recently posted…Investing in Yourself
So very sweet!!! Love these precious moments!!
Sarita recently posted…Working the work-out
Oh my gosh. I am crying. What a sweet, sweet moment. I love those moments where our sweet baby is just in my arms and I’m not focused on anything but her. Soak up those moments mama!
Lauren White recently posted…Weekend Recap
Love, love this! Gotta get that loving while we still can! 🙂
Whitney recently posted…Four Months with Landry
Aw, how sweet is this! I know EXACTLY what you mean. My oldest just turned three and she’s been Miss Independent for awhile now. I drop everything when she wants to cuddle, because it doesn’t happen often and I know it won’t continue for much longer. But, when that phase fades away…at least I’ll get another go at it with my second daughter who’s only 8 weeks 🙂 And what a lovely picture of the two of you. She’s lucky to have you, Mama! -Misty
Momista Beginnings recently posted…Cactus Themed Art Projects for Dad on Father’s Day
So very sweet and true! Graham just did this yesterday when I was trying to leave for the gym, needless to say, snuggles won. Even at 4 they still need plenty, so you’ve got tons coming your way! =)
So sweet. Maybe girls are actually more independent because I kind of assumed noah would start to do the same things by now. At times he is independent but he is such a cuddler! I will definitely miss it when it stops :(. I agree… I often need the hugs just as much as he does.
So beautiful mu friend – I know this feeling all too well as our little SJ has always been so independent and never been affectionate! I grab those kisses and cuddles and “I love you’s” with open arms! x
Caley recently posted…EN 1st Birthday – Invitation
How mushy gushy but let me just be the one to say that is so ok… I love the mushy gushy! I hate when they get bigger 🙁
Ashleigh recently posted…Spy
aaaaaand….now I’m crying. At work. So sweet, Leah!
Precious.