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I came across this story I wrote almost ten years go (July of 2008, to be exact) and to this day it’s one of my favorite posts I’ve written. I thought a little “blast from the past” would be fun today. Enjoy 🙂
Something happens to us humans when we become parents. Our world becomes narrow and completely focused on our squirmy pink bundles of joy. It doesn’t change much as they grow either. Everything they do is exquisite..monumental…. the coolest thing we’ve ever seen. As parents, we have so many things to be grateful for…but sometimes it’s hard to remember that when your 2-year old defies keeping her clothes on, and your five-year old mouths off for the 567th time that day.
There was a dark and sad time in our life when being a parent seemed to be out of reach. After years of trying, our dreams came true and we were blessed with a child. That seven-year wait has (I think) taken our gratitude to a new level. I always try to look on the bright side of life, even during the difficult times. Parenting is no different. There will be ups. There will be downs. There will be times that all you want is five minutes with someone NOT saying your name. When those moments/days hit, I remind myself, this too shall pass..and these are the things I am grateful for: for:
1. The honor of frantically wracking my brain at 5 a.m for something in the house that starts with “Q” that our son can take to show-n-tell that day.
2. That car seat belt strap that never seems loose enough and has enough twists in it to double as phone cord. At least I have a kid to put in that car seat.
3. As the baby wakes up for the third time in one night, I remind myself I would gladly go without sleep for the rest of my life as long as I never have to feel the empty ache of childlessness again.
4. As I face-plant on the living room floor in the middle of the night, I remind myself how empty my house would be without that plastic Triceratops that I just busted my foot on.
5. As we rewind Elmo In Grouchland for the 16th time that day (yes, VHS was our main staple back then), I remind myself there is nothing good on TV anyway, and these days of snuggling on the couch with our toddler while watching a furry red monster will too soon be gone.
6. As my four-year old hangs on me, whines and basically becomes my third leg, I try to remember that, though she wants and NEEDS my attention me now, there will come a day when she will be “too cool” to even give Mom and Dad the time of day.
7. Even though part of me silently groans at the price of Pull-ups and kids shoes, I am just grateful I have little butts and feet to put in them.
8. In ancient B.C. times (Before Children) getting 8 hours of sleep was a priority and I would go to great lengths to make sure I got it. Now, I will gladly forgo sleep completely just to make sure my child’s fever stays in check in the middle of the night. Tomorrow is a new day and another chance to get a better night’s sleep.
9. Even though a trip to the doctor’s office is rarely enjoyable for all involved, I’ll take the “it’s only a virus. It just needs to run it’s course” over a diagnosis that involves a specialist, biopsy, or surgeon.
10. As I free my bathroom sink of countless toys that apparently all needed a bath, say a quick and grateful Thank YOU to the Big Guy Upstairs for giving me the honor of having Dinosaurs in the Sink. #MomGratitude
Today my kids are 12 and almost 15 and I remember back to the times (when they were little) that I silently wished they were older. Now as both contemplate things like make-up, driver’s licenses and dating, I would give anything for those snuggle-in-a-chair Elmo in Grouchland moments.
What are you grateful for?
