Leaving babyhood

I am having a mom moment.   My head is filled with images of tiny sticky little fingers grabbing at my face, soft sweet smiles, babbling, and firsts.  First words, first steps, first foods, first kisses and first smiles.  I love the sweet cuddles I get when the baby is nursing, and the joy I have in being the person they go to when they need comfort.  Why the trip down memory lane? It is all slowly coming to a close.   I am leaving the stage of babyhood, and it could perhaps be forever.

Part of it I am sure has to do with the fact that I am slowly rooting out all the baby stuff in my house.   All the stuff is going to a good home with my sister who is just beginning the journey through the infant years with her first baby and my first niece!

Claire has finally finished nursing, she doesn't play with the baby toys any more.  She is not a cuddly sweet little baby anymore.  She is a busy, bright and happy toddler.  Emphasis on the busy.  She is all about baby dolls, and little people, and following her big sisters around the house.

I am enjoying every single stage that my kids have been at so far, and I know that Claire has many more milestones to reach.  But I am going to miss having a baby around the house.  Leaving this stage I have to admit did not come without tears, and without some sadness.  Ok, some of the things had a lot of tears. Nursing for one is something I will never do again and I admit I loved it.  I loved waking up in the middle of the night and having quiet, cuddly moments with all three of my girls.   I loved the peace and the quiet, and the close bond I developed with all of them.  

My journey is still open-ended as I am not sure if we will adopt, and if we do what age we will be adopting. I know we are not having anymore of our own kids.   I am not sure what God will bring into my life in the future, but I am excited to see what it has in store!

Cheers to you babyhood.  You were amazing.