As babies, we wait on them hand and foot, doing everything for them, and then one day, they surprise us by rolling over, sitting up, crawling, standing, walking, talking, those special milestones!
And then...one day, we realize, that all that hard work of raising our children pays off and they really are growing up! The emotions associated with these milestones are so contrasting!
My son, who just turned 6 now wants to go to the bathroom at restaurants on his own, make his own breakfast, build his own lego, and now dresses and undresses himself at hockey. While I am so happy for him, there is a very large, not small part of me that is very sad. Sad with the realization that every day my little ones are growing, becoming more independent, not needing Mommy or Daddy to help them.
Aiden unlacing skates himself for the first time. |
These little milestones are a stark reminder for me, that one day, a lot sooner than I would like, my babies will require less and less of my help, and will venture out on their own :(
Maybe I'll enjoy those rare occasions where they ask me to zipper their coats or help them get dressed (even though I know they are more than capable on their own), because very soon, I know those days too will come to an end.