Quick Snapshot

I mentioned to someone not to long ago that I am almost 40. That can't be, they replied. Time flies when you aren't looking and yes it is true, I am much closer to 40 than 30. But, it really seems like I was 25 and planning a wedding just last year. Now I am the mom of three with my baby turning 4 in a week...A WEEK!

I thought I would be in the baby phase forever once it hit. That first child turned my world upside down and I was pretty sure that I would never recover. Then I had two more and felt like I had literally been changing diapers and doing laundry since the dawn of time. It would always be this way. About a year ago, they all were out of diapers and that time had seemed to pass so quickly. I have had a Preschooler forever now. I know all about the best picture books, Nick Jr. Characters, what foods are peanut-free, and how to create a masterpiece with finger paint. Yet yesterday I signed up for Preschool for the last time. I never will have to stand in line at 6 AM the last week in January again! It won’t be long and they will all be able to tell time AND read. No more “it’s bedtime” at 6 PM. No more spelling in code. It hit me. These stages aren’t forever.

Ok, it hits me often. I find myself realizing how many more times will I be hugged? How many more times will I get to read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom or Pinkalicious? How much longer will it be important to know each My Little Pony’s name or Thomas the Train engine? How much longer will they sit on my lap? Care if I volunteer? Want me around? My days are numbered!

Saturday I got to watch Colin in his first ski race. He came in last, but he did it. He competed in slalom and giant slalom, with two runs in each. Even when he realized his first time was one of the worst, he tried again just as hard. He amazed me. He is growing up, doing things on his own. He is also reading the Harry Potter series. I LOVE Harry Potter; so, it has been a thrill for me to share that with him. He has read 4 of the books this month! We find him awake at 10 PM still reading and have to hide the book so he will get some rest. Todd and I agree that is a pretty great problem to have!

Zachary has decided that he is no longer afraid of everything. Independence does not come naturally for him, yet he is finding his way. I watch him with his friends at school or “taking care” of his sister and know that he has a heart of gold. He decided to forgo special time with Mom on Sunday to stay home and watch the Packer game with dad. Being one of the guys is more important now then being my buddy for the day. Yet, last night I found he had tucked Molly into bed and was reading her stories. When I ask him to read to me, it is with reluctance that he complies. When it is with Molly, he is an amazing reader and happy to be entertaining her with a good book. Whatever it takes!

Molly is almost 4. It shows. She loves me deeply one minute and thinks I am completely clueless the next. She is on the go, wanting new toys, books, clothes, experience and foods until she drops from exhaustion and cries like a little one. She informs me one minute that she would like to go to first grade NOW and then later tells me to carry her like a baby. She is changing so fast, going from little to big in the blink of an eye. You would never know that just three years ago she had so many medical problems and was in weekly therapy. She is now a vibrant, lively, active little princess dancer who can’t wait to turn 4!