I can't tell you how many times a week, I hear someone tell me that. They'll smile and ask "How old are your children?" Then nostalgically say something like, "Oh, enjoy it, those years go bye too fast," or "they grow up too quickly" or "I remember those great years." I just want to scream "I get it!! I know!!" I'm trying to savor it all. Every moment. I really am. I'm trying to capture every memory in photographs, on paper, and most importantly in my heart. A friend and I said the other day how we both sometimes feel "stressed" about enjoying this time:) I just look at Kinsey (2 yrs) and Colin (3 months), and I truly want them to stay this age forever! It's so much work, there are many frustrating moments, many discouraging and tired days, but I truly love being a Mommy to these two babies. I get asked all the time if I'm planning on sending Kinsey to nursery school soon. I try not to look too shocked, but she's only 2!! I'm holding onto her as long as I can. Maybe I won't be saying that in a few years, but that's how I feel now.
God has given me the greatest blessing I could ever ask for: being able to stay home with my kids. I want to clarify that I don't think "it's the best thing for every family!" Trust me, I really, really want to reiterate that. Kids everywhere are thriving with working parents. I look at my three nephews who have two hardworking parents and they are all three incredibly kind, hardworking, and balanced. There are many, many things we won't be able to give our children; there are many things we'll do without. My kids will probably miss out on some opportunities that they might have otherwise have. BUT, God is good, and for our family, this is what we wanted and we're making it work. It's just really neat to see how God has provided for us. From babysitting, tutoring, Mitch painting, summer school, paying off school loans, and cutting back on non-essentials, gives us all we need to live within our means and comfortably:) I do wish we didn't like to eat out so much--definitely, our weekend enjoyment.
Sometimes before I go to bed, I look over at Mitch, and say, "thank you for letting me stay home with our kids. Thank you for letting me have my dream job, and the best job in the world." After being away from Kinsey that first year and knowing what leaving her was like (just ask Grandma's and 'Momma Nolt'), I can now be so thankful for what I have. Just this morning, after 8:30, I walked into Kinsey's room. She was awake, sitting in nothing but a diaper (at least she kept that on for once), quietly reading (she does this a couple of times a week). I asked her what she was doing, and she said, "Reading my bible, Mommy. Look. See Noah?" My heart melted:) Then she'll ask, "Where Daddy are?" When I tell her he's working, she says, "Oh, Daddy teacher. Be home later." Then she runs over to her dresser for her favorite part of the day--picking out her clothes! Who's kid is this? Her Momma is not a fashionista... After a big bowl of oatmeal with raisins (my clone), it's off to play or off to a playdate. It's just, as one of her favorite books says, "Fun all day!"
As for Colin, my favorite part of my day with him is morning. After his belly is full (and yes, it takes a long time fill that tank!), I prop him up and he smiles and coos and just stares at me. And I star back. No big sister in his face, no distractions. Just me and him. We'll do this for the longest time, and I cherish it. He's such a good baby. Falls asleep on his own, loves his nuk, smiles as McKinsey (most of the time), and takes "big comments" from strangers like a champ. "How old is your baby?" "Three months." "Wow, he's huge." "Yes, he's healthy. Thanks for noticing:)" His pediatrician called him the Michelin baby--I just call him my chunker:)
Wow--life with two kids. Lots of fun. Life with a devoted, loving husband and father, more fun.
In a couple of days, Mitch and I will celebrate our four years of marriage:) I just love him even more than on our wedding day. Marriage takes work, communication, forgiveness, laughter, and love, but when you've found the right person--totally worth it:) God has blessed us much.
James 1:12
Blessed is a man who perseveres under
trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him
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