I watch my daughter run for her dad, shrieks of delight echoing through the house as her little legs carry her as fast as she can make them go. My mind flashes back to when she couldn’t run, hadn’t learned to walk, to when she was a tiny bundle wrapped up against my chest.
I held my breath.
I wanted to keep her tiny forever, to save her newborn smell and perfect sounds for an eternity. Anxiety would overwhelm me when I thought about her crawling, walking, and becoming a little girl.
As she grew she took with her my anxiety, worry, and apprehensions. She held my hand while she became steady on her feet and I became stronger on mine.
My baby was growing up.
Babbling and beautiful sounds formed and became words flowing through the house and filling it with love. Loud giggles, full bellied laughter, and chiclet smiles begging to be played with.
Becoming a little girl.
As she grows she discovers new pieces of herself everyday, finds beauty and adventure in every corner, and expresses herself with exuberance.
Her unique personality makes her a joy, her disposition is consistently sunny and welcoming, and her determination unwavering.
I am exhaling.
And I am embracing her growth.
Sob, sniffle. So very beautiful.
You and her.
XO
Thank you Galit.
I’m glad you came to read it.
xo
Oh my.. that sentence about holding your hand while she became steady on her feet? So beautiful. Great post.
Thanks Krista.
I’m so glad you liked it
Thanks for the early morning cry! This is so beautiful, and so true. I want to pause my girls at the age they’re at right now, but then I remember that I’ve said that with EVERY age. I know that as they grow I’ll embrace it. Until the teen years. Then maybe not so much.
On my run this morning I saw a dad jogging with a baby in a stroller. For a few seconds I really missed the infant days. I rushed Zoe’s newborn days because they were so hard and chaotic. I guess I’ll just have to have another one!
Yes, have another!
This is fantastic news!
When will you tell C?
It’s hard to let go. Except that every day, as much as I miss the baby I had, I love the person he IS. Watching them grow up turns out to be a great gift.
That is the perfect way to put it!
Thank you KLZ
This is so sweet!
Thanks Shell!!
This brought tears to my eyes. Love it. My little baby is 11 months old today, and suddenly looks like more like a little girl than my baby. Breaks my heart!
Crystal
http://www.SoooBig.WordPress.com
I’m so glad you liked it.
I remember when mine was 11 months. I was so sad about the approaching first birthday, however, it has been great.
It really does get better and better.
Oh just beautiful. They grow so quickly!
Thank you Alison, they do don’t they!
Time for MORE!! lol
This was a beautiful post about growing up.
And honestly, the toddler stage is my favorite. I love watching them at this age when they can run, play, babble. So cute.
My daughter is babbling so much now. I love hearing new words every day
It can be hard but totally rewarding at the same time. Just think of all the cool things you can teach her as she gets older!
Hehe.. Yah, the cool things indeed!
I’m so teaching her to get me ice cream.
Beautifully written… such bittersweet times! <3
Thank you so much.
They are bittersweet aren’t they? Perfect choice of words.
Beautiful. I find myself regularly saying *this* is my favorite age. It just seems like as Allison gets bigger, she gets even more amazing.
That’s so nice to hear. I was worried when my daughter was baby that I would miss her newborn stage but I really do love every stage
Mere words cannot describe how beautiful this post is. Watching our kids grow is definitely bitter sweet at times. Yet, it’s the most rewarding thing, too.
Thank you so much for your sweet compliments.
You are correct when you say it’s bittersweet.
You put this so nice into words. Sometimes I think time is passing much too fast and I want my tot to stay exactly like this forever. And the next day he’s absolutely different, even his face looks a bit different. Is it just me? Do you have that feeling sometimes too?
I do!
Some days my daughter looks like her dad, other days she looks like my mom, most days she looks like my father. She went from a baby to being a big girl. She’s talking more and more everyday.
I can’t believe how fast time is flying by.
I spent three years loving the growth and growing independence. Then, recently, I was hit with the sadness of it. Sigh.
awwww.
Big huge Sigh.
She’s adorable and this was so beautifully written, too.
Thank you Rach.
xo
Leighann,
HI! I found your blog through one of my closest friends, Leslie at Lights and Letters. I just published a post today all about what you represent – multitasking!
It’s more of a finding the balance issue and would love it if you would check it out and share your process with us! I am interested in how you handle your days like the rest of us.
Great to “meet” you and hope you come over for a visit!
Thanks,
Jill
Oh this was just so beautiful. This is such a fun age to watch them learn, grown, and play!
It really is.
I can’t believe that I was so worried about her growing up!
It keeps getting better
I remember bawling when Connor was about two weeks old because I was amazed at how fast he was growing. Too fast, but something to embrace, I agree. Otherwise you miss it.
Beautifully written.
thank you Robin.
I still can’t look at the photo albums from when she was a newborn.. to hard.
Aw, beautiful words about your daughter growing up. I think we all feel the same way as Mothers. I SO miss the infant baby smell. Mmmmm….
Thank you Bruna!
I loved the pics of your daughters, so gorgeous
Parenting is beautiful and scary all at the same time, isn’t it?
You got it!
It’s all one huge guessing game.