The Firsts, And The Lasts

As a mom, you often look forward to the "firsts" in your child's life.

The first time you see them.

Hold them, kiss them, love on them.

The first time you nurse them.

The first time you bring them home.

That first step.

The first word.

The first time they eat "real food."

The first smile.

The first laugh.

The first tooth.

The first time they say, "Mama."

The first day of school.

The first day of junior high.

The first day of having their license.

The first date.

The first time they say "I love you," to that special someone.

The first time one of your kids gets married.

But no one talks about the lasts.

I don't remember the last time that my older six kids stopped coming into my room at night, but there was a night that marked the last time.

I don't remember when they no longer thought their dad was "Superman", or thought I could do no wrong, but somewhere along the way they realized we had faults.

I don't remember the last time we had to change a diaper, but that phase has ended.

I can't recall the last time I bought a jar of baby food, but that's no longer on my grocery list.

I don't remember the last time the older girls picked dandelions and brought them to me, but I am almost out of my "dandelion days" with my kids.

I don't remember the last time I had to tie a shoe.

I don't remember the last time I did Abby or Chloe's hair in pigtails, but there are no more pigtails for them.

I don't remember the last time I took the boys to get a haircut- now they do it on their own.

I don't remember the last time Tommy called our home his home- but now he has his own.

I have loved absolutely every season my kids have been through.

While I am still seeing many "firsts" from the babies, I am also experiencing many "lasts" with my older kids.

It's bittersweet.

Sometimes, I wish I could go back and experience those "firsts" all over again.

Hug your babies, and savor those "firsts", Mamas.

They happen quickly and vanish even faster.