The moments when I have to hide in my closet with a bag of m&m’s so I don’t go completely insane before their Daddy gets home.
The moments where they grow right before your eyes.
The small, everyday moments where life happens.
Of course, I had a taste of these things on the weekends but how much had I missed?
I knew there was the chance I would miss the first steps or the first words but I didn’t realize all of the little things they do each day that I find such great joy in! We had bedrooms full of brand new toys that no one was ever home to play with. My walls weren’t covered in crayon because no one was bored on a rainy afternoon. Our dress clothes were not torn and faded from everyday wear because no one ever put them on!
Now everything shows the wear and tear of hours of playtime, curious toddlers, daily dress ups and lots of love.
Even Mommy.
I never wanted to be a stay at home mom. It wasn’t on my list of personal achievements. We have had to make some sacrifices along the way for me to be home and there was a time when we would have told you we couldn’t make it on one income. But we can. You can.
I know that it’s not everyone’s dream and for some, it truly isn’t an option. But if you have a desire in your heart to be home I would encourage you to try your best to make it work.
I will never get those first 5 years back.
I wonder what I missed with the first two because I never had the time to sit and watch them nap. I didn’t even know what I was missing. I can’t get those years back but it makes me so grateful for these years I have been given.
Slow down, Mama. It all passes so quickly.
