Gardner turns two years old this week and I couldn't feel more bittersweet. I absolutely adore that he is growing up and learning new things. He is starting to communicate and definitely has a personality of his own. He is thoughtful, loving, and curious. It is only fitting that we are throwing him a "Curious George" themed birthday this weekend.
It is easy to get bogged down in the minutia of the daily grind, running around the house each morning, making breakfast, getting kids dressed, packing lunch, and running out the door to work. Then arriving home at night and doing much of the same thing. Next week I will be adding dropping him off at school for the first time, another addition to my morning routine. I'm incredibly excited for him to start school, but I'm not sure where the time has gone already.
Part of me wants to say, "Don't grow up little guy!" The other part of me is so excited for the next stage in his life. I see it now, he goes to school next week, he'll be heading to elementary school before long. He will make friends, play sports or maybe play an instrument. He will lose his first tooth, have his first fight with his friends, and navigate what it means to be a good friend to someone. Down the road he will have his first crush, get his first kiss, and eventually experience his first heartbreak. He will have some awkward years, go to school dances, make good grades and bad ones too. High school will come with its own set of challenges, like picking the right classes, prepping for the SAT, and deciding what the next step will be after high school. Then I will blink and he'll be moving into college somewhere or going to a trade school.
But right now he's two. He plays with blocks, counts, says his ABCs, and points out colors and animals he knows. These are the days worth living and these are the moments that are not to be forgotten.
Parents, don't blink because before you know it you might miss the laughter, the late nights, and the love that fills up your heart when your child just simply grins at you. I can't freeze time, but I can be present and I can enjoy each fleeting moment. If I blink it will be over too soon.