WONDEROAK

Dear Kids, Please slow down…

I looked at you in the kitchen this morning and I caught my breath. You’re growing up.

I’m not sure when it happened.

Just yesterday I was rocking you in my arms and smelling your milk kissed skin.

Just yesterday I was swaddling you in my favorite blanket and you were wiggling free.

Just yesterday you were fighting your nap and throwing your binky and blankets on the floor.

Just yesterday your hand was so soft and squishy and it fit just perfectly in mine.

Just yesterday we taught you to say “I love you Daddy”, “I love you Mommy”.

Just yesterday you were in the driveway with Daddy learning to ride your bike without training wheels.

Just yesterday my main concern was if you’d ever swallow that bite of eggs I said you had to take before you went to play.

Just yesterday your favorite book was about animals and their sounds, you knew every one.

Just yesterday I was tucking you in with two books, three songs, butterfly kisses, eskimo kisses, and five other kisses you made up on the fly.

Just yesterday your backpack was down to your calves as you walked into your first day of kindergarten.

Just yesterday you were making up songs in the backseat while Daddy and I tried so hard not to laugh.

Just yesterday was your first day swimming, your first time reading, your first day playing sports.

Just yesterday you were just a baby, a toddler, a little kid…just yesterday.

And now here you are standing 5’7″ in the kitchen. You’re looking more grown up than ever and I just don’t know where the time has gone. I just don’t know how this time flashed before my eyes. You pour yourself a bowl of cereal and grin at me, “What?”

“Nothin’” I say and smile.

I know you’re ready to grow up, I can see it in your eyes.

But I have a secret. I’m not ready, I don’t think I’ll ever be.

I’m letting you go anyway, but gosh it’s hard.

I’m so excited to say what you do with this wild and wonderful life. I’m so proud of the person you are and I just can’t wait to see what you do. I’m a fan in the very front row screaming your name and waving my pompoms…

but baby, please slow down.

I love you,

Mama