Back in the summer, I wrote a guest post for Scary Mommy about the 10 moments I’m dreading as a mom (which has almost 10,000 shares on Facebook and was tweeted more than 500 times! How crazy is that!?!).
For those who have read it, you’ll see it’s a little more, hmmm, colorful than my posts usually are (and, actually, is pretty much in line with my raunchy sense of humor). I got some hysterical feedback on that post (along with some awesome ideas, like teaching your 10-year-old son to do his own laundry well in advance of the teenage years. Genius, I tell you!).
But I admit, it got me thinking. Sure, these are some of the cringe-worthy moments I’m fearing as a mom, but what about those other moments? The more sappy or bittersweet milestones that you know are inevitable … but also have you reaching for the nearest box of Kleenex?
So, of course, I made a list.
Here are 10 of those sentimental, crying-but-smiling moments that might break this mama’s heart:
1. The first time either of my kids has their heart broken for the first time or gets rejected by a boy or girl they really like.
2. The moment either of my kids starts calling me Mom instead of Mama and stops needing, or wanting, to hold my hand.
3. Packing up the crib, changing table and the other baby gear. Because I know it’s for the last time. Same goes for all the toys, the old baby board books, etc. [OK, I need a tissue. This one always gets me.]
4. The first time my kids are embarrassed by me and demand I drop them off a block away from the movie theater, God forbid they be seen with me. Which leads me to …
5. When they have absolutely no interest in spending time with me.
6. When my youngest stops believing in Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, etc. and decides that Halloween is no longer “cool.”
7. Knowing it’s time to let go a bit and give my kids some independence … and trust that they are making good decisions. I think about this every time I see a group of 14-year-old boys walking around town by themselves.
8. I’m a cuddler, and I know my window for cuddling opportunities is getting smaller and smaller every day.
9. When I tell my kiddos, “I love you,” and I get a muffled grunt — or a look of disdain — in return.
10. And here’s a doozy: Dropping my kids off at college. I might need a tranquilizer.
Okay, where are those tissues? Seriously. I need them.
But with all this being said, there is something pretty incredible about watching your kids grow and mature into the amazing people they’re meant to be. I just wish we could bottle some of these moments and file them away for those days when you’re aching to remember the sweet scent of your newborn’s head or the feeling of your daughter’s hand curled up in yours or the way your toddler used to say, “I wuv you.”
What sentimental moments are on your list?
Elizabeth Atalay says
It is all going too fast, I can so relate to this post!
Michele C. says
*sigh* I know this feeling. We are about to have a garage sale to sell all the baby gear. We’re done with cribs, changing tables, rockers/gliders, diapers. It’s so very bittersweet. But I do love seeing my children grow into such fun ‘big kids’ at the same time. ((hugs)) mama!!!
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
I’m crying just reading this list. All so true <3
cintia says
I prefer to don’t even imagine those moments, but I know that probably will be really hard.
Cintia
Blogger, A Saving Love…that will change a Child’s Life!
Cintia@ASavingLove.com | http://www.asavinglove.com
Bri says
Argh! The sadness. But you know…I have to be honest and say that recently, my seven-year-old was goofing around by bringing back some well-remembered “baby talk” phrases and calling me “mama.” He asked, “Do you miss it when I was a baby like that?” And I was able to very honestly, in that moment, look him over and say, “Sometimes…but you know what? I love the big boy you are, right this minute, even more.” I didn’t think I could enjoy the older kid years as much as the wee ones, but I really do. And you will, too! Different isn’t always bad. It’s just different. 🙂
Kirsten says
All good choices. My 10 year old resists hand holding, hugs and kisses but I threaten to come do it to him at school and he usually relents.
Ja @Ja on the RUN says
Awww… It’s kind of sad but those are some of the realities moms have to face. :/
Jackie Hennessey says
I loved your post the first time I saw it on Scary Mommy too. You’re always so full of honesty and reflection…. But I have to admit I’ve been through a lot of these moments already. My babies are getting so big! It breaks my heart to see my little ones grow up, yet I’m excited to see what’s ahead too. Although they don’t call you Mama, the bond you have with them never goes away. It may change a little here and there, but it never goes away. Guess who they want when they are sick? Or sad? Or need support? Their MAMA! 🙂