Time Flies

So, last night I was given the very distinct honor and pleasure of holding the most perfect, precious little angel in the world.  Her name is Lily Elizabeth and she was born three days ago to my dear friend Claire.  This is Claire's first trip down baby lane, so as I visited her in her home, I was tickled by the hovering, the oooing and ahhhing by her parents and grandparents.  And then I noticed that I was doing the same thing.

Then as I sat back and watched my friend settle comfortably into nursing her child, I looked over at my eight year old angel and like a brick wall, I realized I now have less than ten years with this angel in my home... unless she's a mooch and decides that she wants to live with us forever.  Somehow I don't see that happening, so I think I'm looking at less than ten years with her.

What the heck?!?!  Where did the time go?  I feel like the wind just got knocked out of my sail.  I mean, I spent so much time waiting for her to grow up and teaching her, guiding her, arguing with her, laughing with her, but in reality, what did I DO with that time?  Has it made a difference?  I mean, have I wasted these first eight years, or have I honored God with the time I've spent?

Since the invention of Facebook, I know for certain I have wasted an insane amount of time...  doing nothing. I'm not sure what the pull is to Facebook, but for some reason, I can waste more time trying to come up with the next most entertaining status or trying to find out other people's business than I do focusing on my own business.  Somehow I have lost my way- lost my priorities.  Facebook isn't the only culprit.  I often find my days have been occupied with so many other seemingly important things like housework or errands or other "important" tasks.

I read this quote on my friend's Facebook Wall the other day and it made me think:  "I really am your gift. I am not just a little person who needs to be "raised" and taught, and taken to activities....I came to the people in my life to bring a message: slow down. Feel. Be. Over and over again. When you do, you will notice immediately, that I am not an obstacle to your work, or inconvenience to your daily life. Instead, you will come to appreciate my honesty, humor, presence and love."-- Bruce Scott

I had several thought trains after reading this. My First thought was- wow. They really are my gifts. I know I sometimes take them for granted. I have spent so much time wishing their lives away that I have completely missed out on what's been right in front of me for years.  It started when they were babies.  I couldn't wait until they could sit up- then I couldn't wait until they could crawl- then walk- then talk...  and pretty soon they weren't little babies any more.  They were toddlers.  Then I couldn't wait until they were older so they were more mature.  Then they got older and I wanted them to stop growing.  It's too bad I can't keep them young forever...

Knowing that time travel and freezing time aren't an option for anyone except Marty McFly, I think I'll just take more advantage of the time I have with them.  I'm currently at home with them... during the summer.  I've been busy all summer making memories with them and teaching them but the past couple of weeks as the stress has built up, I've gotten back into the housework rut.  I learned that housework is my escape from having to be hands on with reality.  So, recognizing that, I think I'll step away from the mop and the broom and make a little more time for Yahtzee and Hop Scotch.  

So, Claire and Aron (and all of you other new parents), if I could offer you one piece of advice, I'd say- take advantage of this time you have with your little angel(s).  Take time to soak in every single memory, every single breath.  Don't wish her life away, instead, thank God for each of the moments you have with her.  Don't get so caught up with getting everything right and being the perfect parent- but rather- focus on the perfect gift that you have been given.  When she's ready, she'll crawl and walk, and eventually talk... and eventually talk back to you (yes, that part is SO much fun).  In the mean time, oooh and ahhhh and cuddle that little piece of Heaven all you can.  

As for me, I'm going to cuddle all of mine and enjoy the rest of my summer making memories that will last the rest of this lifetime.  Here's to the parents, young and old, experienced and inexperienced:  May you never forget what is right in front of you as you walk this blessed journey.

No Longer I,

The Real Life Mom