Wonder Years

The mothers who have gone before us say savor these days, these precious days. Even now we look at photographs with glassy eyes, thinking wasn’t this just yesterday. Some weeks are a climb, some phases so challenging, but there is rest, too, and laughter, and so much magic. We delight in our full laps, warm pajama snuggles, little hands that fit inside our own and know this is the work we were created for. The gift of it all is not lost on us.

Those were the days, we’ll say years from now, but take heart: while time is fleeting, love is not - it thrives where the soil is rich. They won’t always be little, but they’ll always be our children. Our bond is eternal. Our hearts will flutter when we see them at every age, their faces different, but the same. Memories will wash over us, pride and affection illuminating us from the inside out. For the rest of our lives, we’ll remember their wonder years, our babies’ age of innocence. We’ll say I was the one they were running toward, and my arms were spread wide. I was there for it all.

Lucky us.

Stop playing with it before it breaks.

If I go look and find it…

Please just try a bite.

It’s different when an adult says it.

I’m so proud of you.

You don’t need a Band-Aid.

Can I do this without an audience?

It’s the medicine that tastes like bubble gum.

I’d love to hold you.

Where’s your daddy?

Don’t make me say it again.

Let me tie your shoe.

I guess someone doesn’t want to go to the party.

Inside voice.

Because you’ll get cavities.

I wouldn’t yell if you listened the first three times.

I promise I won’t let go.

Please stop.

You are so smart.

You know this will end with one of you crying.

That movie again?

Let’s play the quiet game.

Please don’t say that at school.

Please don’t do that in public.

I could eat you up.

I will turn this car around.

Because you made the mess.

It’s too early.

I told you to go before we left.

On your mark, get set…

Who’s there?

Orange who?

You are amazing.

Hands to yourself.

But you have a night light.

Did you say thank you?

No, you look like me.

Polo!

It won’t hurt, I promise.

I’m watching.

I think that’s plenty.

Good night nobody. Good night mush.

Don’t bring that into the house!

Mommy’s just resting her eyes.

Wash your hands.

You did it all by yourself!

Watch your tone.

I don’t know why it just is.

Stranger danger!

Sharing is caring.

Make a wish!

Five more minutes and that’s it.

You make me so happy.

No running.

Yes, it looks just like a bear riding a unicorn.

No snacks before dinner.

Because Santa is magic.

Is it alive?

Please double check.

No hitting.

What’s the magic word?

Don’t cry, mommy’s here.

But you know better.

I have snacks!

Because I said so.

Bow your head and close your eyes.

Did you look both ways?

Let’s snuggle.

You said you’d take care of it.

Please go to bed.

I promise there’s not a monster.

Because baths make us clean.

You can’t wait up for the Tooth Fairy.

Let me kiss your boo boo.

What matters is what you think.

Please don’t make me say it again.

What’s that smell?

Don’t touch!

But I like how you say psssghetti.

I’m going to yank on three.

Wipe your feet.

That’s very interesting, but you need to go to sleep.

Don’t tattle.

Surprise!

Clean clothes don’t go in the hamper.

I love you.

But naps are fun.

Hold my hand.

More than anything in the entire world.