Watching your kids grow up

ring_pop

2nd+ time moms... do you love or hate watching your kids grow up? I'm sure there's a lot of pride and other good feelings at seeing them discover new things every day, but I've also noticed that people seem wistful and nostalgic too.

Noelle2375

It is amazing how fast the time goes once you have kids. I cannot believe that DD is almost 2 years old. It is so great to watch her learn new things and to become a little independent person but at the same time, it is sad to know that she does not need me as much as she used to. Cherish every second because you will blink and a year has gone by.

curlygirl124

It is certainly bittersweet. I rejoice with every milestone that DD meets, but there is a part of my heart that breaks a little. I would love to go back and cuddle her sweet little baby self again.

New Moms: Cherish every moment you have with your baby because they grow so fast and in just moments they are walking and talking. I know its corny, but its true. I sometimes wish I had taken more time to realize that when DD was a baby.

COMomma81

It's a double-edged sword for me. I love seeing him grow and develop as a little person and learn new things. But...it just makes me sad and how quickly it's going. I mean, seriously, it feels like 2 months ago he was a little baby and now he's 2.5

So, the important thing is just try to cherish every moment. It's easier said than done, but it is really easy to take for granted and before you know it, they'll be in middle school. It seems like once you have kids, time goes warp-speed! 

Mrs.Leah.Maria

curlygirl124:

It is certainly bittersweet. I rejoice with every milestone that DD meets, but there is a part of my heart that breaks a little. I would love to go back and cuddle her sweet little baby self again.

New Moms: Cherish every moment you have with your baby because they grow so fast and in just moments they are walking and talking. I know its corny, but its true. I sometimes wish I had taken more time to realize that when DD was a baby.

This.

Within the same breath you both love and hate it. 

izzym0411

Mrs.Leah.Maria:

curlygirl124:

It is certainly bittersweet. I rejoice with every milestone that DD meets, but there is a part of my heart that breaks a little. I would love to go back and cuddle her sweet little baby self again.

New Moms: Cherish every moment you have with your baby because they grow so fast and in just moments they are walking and talking. I know its corny, but its true. I sometimes wish I had taken more time to realize that when DD was a baby.

This.

Within the same breath you both love and hate it. 

Exactly! And being pregnant again has in at times made me so sad the ds is so big now, I went to BRU the other day for the first time in about 3 years and I just felt so sad about it, I had to leave, it's hard and sad that they are growing up, but I'm so proud of the little man ds has become.

redhead2466

Sometimes I look at her baby pics and I miss having a baby to hold and breastfeed (the bonding of that).  So I'm definitely glad I get to experience that again with the new baby, and enjoy all those moments I didn't the first time.  Usually, I was either too worried or wishing that phase away for whatever reason (more sleep, freedom etc).

However, I must admit I'm mostly glad that she's becoming a little person.  I much prefer this stage where she can talk and we can actually communicate.  I also enjoy being able to do things with her, like swimming & dance lessons, camping and travelling....stuff we obviously couldn't do when she was a baby.  Or the camping she didn't really enjoy as much (or know what was going on).

I'm excited for when the next child and DD can play together, and we can take family outings and vacations again without too much pain (disruption to sleep schedules, routines etc).  I also like to see DD learning and being able to help shape her into the person she'll become.  

I guess my advice (not that you asked for it) is just to be careful not to wish away every stage thinking the next one will be easier, better etc.  I'm afraid it won't (usually it's harder!), and then you'll just find yourself wishing you had the last phase back.  It's advice I need to take, too.

ksevin

I love it and without fail I'm always claiming "this is my favorite stage."  It's amazing how fast your child grows and develops their unique personality.  I  definitely do feel nostalgic when I look through baby pictures of DS.  It feels like so long ago!

momtoRaegan041008

I love watching my daughter discover new things, use new words, etc. each day.  But, I think back to how little she use to be and how fast she is going to grow up.  I just try and love every minute with her.  I hug and kiss her all the time and tell her how much I love her.  Someday she'll hate me for something!  I guess you just realize what our parent's must have thought and how fast they thought we grew up.  I guess I still feel like a teenager inside and find it crazy that my daughter is almost 3 already!  I'm sure a lot of this is all hormones and now I'm crying....yeah, I'm a sapp!

mbritto4

It's a mixed bag. Some days I'm in proud parent mode marveling at how bright and clever DD can be. Others I'm sad because it feels like she's growing up so fast. I'm straddling toddler and big girl sizing right now (she's a size 4/5) so that's really weird to think if it wasn't for 2.0 I'd be done with the baby areas of stores except for gifts.

jillybean222

I love it - they change so amazingly fast and are always learning and growing. It just makes me appreciate the little things in life - the picnics on the playground, feeding the ducks, decorating the christmas tree, etc.  You see the world through your children's eyes and it is nothing short of amazing.  You''ll see!

I have to admit, when I sneak in at night to peek when the girls are sleeping, I look at them and wonder how it all went by so fast - 3 1/2 and 2...really?!?!?!  I will be helping them plan their weddings in no time if it continues to speed on by.