The Days are Long..

but the years are short. That's what someone recently reminded me about being the mom of young children. Lately, when I look at my tall, skinny, smarty-pants first grader, I am fully aware that this statement is true. Kyle and I talked today (in anticipation of Luke's birthday tomorrow) about the births of each of our boys, recounting the moments we associate with each one and talking about how quickly the years are passing. I always have moments where I think to myself, "Remember this moment" and try to soak it in. Here are some things I want to remember about having young children:

• the smell of freshly washed children smothered in Johnson & Johnson baby lotion
• juicy, naked tooshies
• slobbery, open-mouth kisses
• them being small enough to sit in my lap (and wanting to)
• the sheer excitement on their faces when doing/seeing new things
• the way they run to me when I've been away
• sweet voices singing songs about Jesus
• footie pajamas
• chubby fingers
• the sound of "Mama"....how does it so quickly change to "Mom"?
• the way they look sleeping at night
• rocking and singing before bed
• the way they wrestle and run through the house
• the feel of little arms wrapped around my neck
• the giggles I can get from playing peek-a-boo or jumping out from around the corner
• the smell of Pampers diapers
• being able to contain them in a crib
• naptimes
• the arts and crafts they bring home from preschool/church/school
• playing games and reading books and just spending time together
• little feet!!!
• their innocence
• watching Kyle play with the boys
• seeing them start to know/remember Bible stories and verses

What do you want to remember about these years of mothering young kids?