Smiling Because it Happened
8March 5, 2012 by CJ
I came across this picture the other day as I was going through some old things.
This is what my life was like, being a stay at home mom with twins. That is my son on the floor reading what was at the time, his favorite book, upside down and backwards. And yes, that is my daughter, climbing onto a table with a bucket on her head. As I stared at that picture, I felt that all too familiar stinging pain in my eyes. As if someone was cutting onions and sprinkling salt into them. Before I knew it I was crying. Bawling really, like a big old baby. I escaped into the only room a mom can close and lock a door without questions, the bathroom. As I sat on the edge of the tub, drying my eyes with toilet paper, I tried to figure out why I was crying like this.
That time in my life was crazy, as you can see by the room. I’m very happy to have survived it. In many ways it was an easier time. Our biggest issues were getting them down for a nap or eating all of their vegetables and there was that talk of using the potty. But now, as my babies have grown, they face much bigger problems in their lives (mean kids at school, homework, boys, girls, clothes, parties, etc) and I don’t have all the answers. I do find myself longing for that crazy, loud, messy, sleepless, simpler time.
Somewhere in all of this I reminded myself of a Dr. Suess quote I posted on facebook in celebration of his birthday.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” I need to remember this. I’m sure there will come a time when I long for 10-year-old problems…
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Your post makes me grateful for the “parenting struggles” I currently experience with my 10-month-old. Thank you for sharing.
—-Also, I see that “escape the Superyard” thing you were talking about! Haha!
I love that Dr. Suess quote….so bittersweet.
I agree, one of my favs
Oh what a beautiful post. My children are 3 and 5 now, and whenever I think of the future, all I can think of is, “but it’s so great right now!” I don’t want to deal with homework and mean girls and peer pressure — but I know it’s coming. It has to, it’s just a part of life. I think that’s one reason I feel so truly lucky to be able to stay home with my kids. They are only little once. I bet you felt the same way, which is what drew such a strong emotion from you when you looked at the picture. It’s good you have that picture! And I also think you must be right in looking ahead at the happy sadness you will feel when you reminisce on these 10 year old days. So I agree — focus on that Dr. Seuss quote, and I will too!
That looks like pictures I have of my kids now. I think about this everyday because I don’t want to water anytime with them. They are growing up so fast.
It goes so fast. I have to remind myself to not cry over the toddler stage anymore, before I know it they’ll be 16 and I’ll be crying over the 10 years. Enjoy every second of while you are in it…at least keep reminding yourself to do that. 😉
So glad I stumbled across your blog. I am reminded of my favorite parenting quote: “The days are long, but the years are short.” I frequently thumb through a random box of old photos to remind myself of where my sons have been, now that they are running so quickly into the future.
Thanks for taking the time to read my post. The quote is so very true. The days are very, very long 🙂 but the years are terribly short.