Today we had a family outing to the mall. That may not sound like much of a big deal, however the mall is “down the hill”, as the locals say, but it’s a mountain to me! Also, here’s a list of what it takes to take a 3 month old and a 16 month old out for half a day: 4 bottles, one bottle of milk, formula, a juice sippy cup, a banana, diapers – size 2 and size 4, wipes, extra outfits in the event of an accident, burp cloths, bibs, cheerios, books, cookie monster, a pacifier, blankets, coats and hats (layering is a big deal here in Colorado), Silly Songs with Larry, a double stroller, two car seats, random toys that hang from said car seats, and many prayers for safety when I’m turned around in the front seat, trying to hand Callie the book that fell or give Justus his pacifier as we’re headed down “the hill”. I must admit to getting both kids ready and out the door, in the car and out of the drive when I realized I forgot to put my own coat on, and I can’t remember if I brushed my teeth or if the door to the back porch is locked.
And yet, this is the best time I’ve ever had in my life. The sight of Callie Grace sitting in her booster seat, eating french fries and watching the carousel, Justus in the stroller, staring at a duck and smiling as usual, Philip sitting beside me, holding my hand and getting me refills of Dr. Pepper, Callie saying “hi!!” to everyone we pass, these are things that I treasure, that I will miss so much in such a short time! It’s so important to remind myself of this in the moments that overwhelm me, in the moments that I feel like I’m just trying to get by and get to the next day. What a waste of precious time that is! I’m certainly guilty of it, and I daily pray that the Lord will bless me with the ability to appreciate these days, these little things, and to let go of the things that don’t matter, like Callie eating cheerios from under the couch and Justus using a pink burp cloth that was Callie’s because all of his blue ones are dirty (sorry Philip! 🙂 ).
Right now both kids are asleep, Justus swaddled and in his bed, Callie in her crib with her two bears, her blanket and pacifier. I have a stack of books to read, laundry that needs to be done, and bottles to wash.
So I’m going to sit on the couch and watch Law and Order with Philip. It’s the little things that are precious.
It is the little things that you miss as they move to the next stage. Bella has started to correctly pronounce the last word that she has always said wrong we are so sad:(
That is sad! Isn’t it hard to not repeat the words as they say them? Callie calls her bear beaw, with no r on the end, and it’s the cutest thing! And she says Bella as Bewa. If I ask her where Bella is she goes running down the hall to point to her picture. So sweet!
I’m loving your blog. You’re so right, this season will pass by way too quickly. I’m glad that you’re enjoying your precious babies now, even in the overwhelming moments (and there will be many of those!). My love to you all. . .
I’m glad to see that you are aware that the little things are just as precious with Philip as they are with the kids! Don’t ever forget that even after the babies are grown and on their own, your husband will still be there and keeping him in the center of your focus will benefit all of you! 🙂