Celebrating the “Firsts” and Embracing the “Lasts”
Being a mom of three fills my heart with so much love and gratitude. My youngest recently just turned one, my middle child is a lively two and a half year old, and my oldest has proudly graduated from pre-K. In this phase of my motherhood journey, I’ve come to realize there are moments that quietly fade away, leaving an ache in my heart that I didn’t even know was there.
Longing for the Last Time: Watching My Youngest Grow
We often celebrate the “firsts” with joy and anticipation. I remember the excitement when my oldest took their first steps, the pride I felt when my middle child said their first words, and the joy I felt when I heard my youngest baby giggle for the very first time. Those memories are etched in my mind. But what about the “lasts”? What about those small moments that slip away without us even noticing?
Now that my youngest is one, I find myself reminiscing about the last time she fell asleep in my arms, rocked her through the night, or the last time I fed her a bottle. It feels like just yesterday that I held her delicately close, breathing in her sweet baby scent as a newborn. But now she is growing up, exploring the world on her own. You don’t realize the last time until it is already gone, like trying to hold onto sand that slips through your fingers.
The Middle Child: Embracing Independence and Remembering the Lasts
And then there’s my middle child, full of energy and curiosity. They’re not the baby anymore, but not quite the oldest either. He’s at the age of wanting to do it all on his own. It stuck with me the other day when he refused to hold my hand to cross the road. It’s the “no, I can do it.” I now can’t help but wonder when was the last time he reached for my hand while crossing the street or relied on me to help with everyday tasks. Those moments quietly disappeared, replaced by their growing independence. It’s these moments that make me realize how quickly time passes and how childhood is fleeting.
Farewell to Early Childhood: Reflecting on My Oldest’s Lasts
As for my oldest, his recent Pre-K graduation is a big milestone. I’m so proud of everything he has accomplished and how much he has grown. But amidst the celebrations, I can’t help but think about the last time he sought my advice for every little thing or needed me every step of the way. It’s those small goodbyes to their early childhood, as they venture into new experiences and become more independent.
Beyond the Physical Milestones: Unseen Heartaches of Motherhood
These moments that slip away in motherhood go beyond the physical milestones. They’re the little things that weave our lives together—like the last time my children will crawl onto my lap for a cuddle, need my presence to fall asleep, or whisper “I love you” in their sweet voices. These moments, like delicate whispers, vanish without warning, leaving behind cherished memories.
In the midst of these hidden moments, there is beauty. Watching my children grow and become amazing individuals fills me with pride and joy. Their laughter brings me comfort, their hugs give me strength, and knowing that my love guides them is a source of reassurance.
Cherishing Every Moment: Embracing the Gift of Motherhood
So, as I navigate this journey of motherhood, I hold onto these moments that slip away. I embrace the mix of emotions that come with watching my children grow. I celebrate the firsts, but I also honor the lasts. These hidden moments remind me to cherish the present, to savor each passing moment, and to embrace this journey with an open heart and grateful spirit.
To all the moms out there who, like me, are witnessing their children grow and experience these bittersweet moments, I want you to know that you’re not alone. I understand the mix of emotions that fill your heart as you navigate this beautiful, yet challenging, journey of motherhood. We share the same joys and hidden heartaches as we watch our little ones take their first steps towards independence. It’s okay to feel sadness as we realize that the moments we once took for granted have quietly slipped away. But let’s remember that we are not defined solely by these moments. We are the nurturers, the supporters, and the guiding lights in our children’s lives. So, let’s cherish every precious moment, both big and small, and embrace the incredible privilege of being a mom.
XOXO
Dany
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