Last Vestiges of Babyhood

Lydia is 20 months old.  She can run and climb with the best of them, but it's a miracle that she can walk at all since no one ever wants to set her down.  She is probably our last baby.  She is probably the last grandchild on either side of the family.  Even among our friends, since most of them are close to our age, there are few new babies.  (Though God has abundantly blessed our parish with new babies among the young families.  We have so many beautiful young families with lots of little ones under five.)

True to form, Lydia is like my other high needs babies and has become quite an amiable toddler.  So everywhere we go, our friends, adults, teens and kids, love to hold Lydia.  I have looked over at the 'teen boy' table at Sunday donuts and coffee to see her sitting like a princess with the big boys, as they vie to feed her donuts.  Very sweet.

Some day there will be grandchildren, but nothing will compare to these precious years of pregnancies and nursing babies.  Nothing else I could have done with my life would have been as rewarding.  Nothing.  (Well maybe if I was a religious... some days a cloistered order sounds quite appealing.)

Every age is precious... we love having a 17 year old.  Fortunately for us, we will have lots more of those!  :)  But in these last months of having a baby, we are enjoying every last moment of snuggling, chubby toes and knees, happy baby laughs, and the sparkle of wonder in her eyes.

Comments

[Ruth]

I feel the same way. My little Maria just turned 3 this month. Remember how much we both prayed for another baby? :-)

[Celeste]

Thank you for this post, Bridget. I really appreciate these wise reminders from you seasoned moms to enjoy this season in my life with so many littles. Sometimes it seems overwhelming, but thinking of the days to come remind me to enjoy these busy moments with my babies. God bless you and your beautiful family--especially that little cutie of yours.