Exiting Babyhood

Miss A turns 2 tomorrow.

We have moved out of babyhood, and are fully into toddlerhood. For the first time, I will have a 2 year old without a newborn. And I gotta say, it is loads easier dealing with toddlers when you don't have a newborn or giant belly to carry around too.

I don't know how I did it.

How did I ever manage to get through the days?

There were some dark days. Some days that I am not sure how I made it through.

But I did.

And now I have my last baby officially exiting the baby years.

I look over to her sleeping on the couch, and I realize that soon the naps, the diapers, the breastfeeding, and the babywearing will all slowly disappear. One day, I'll realize that she hasn't nursed in weeks. That she hasn't asked to go "uppy" in months. That she hasn't napped in weeks. We have passed so many last firsts, and now so many last lasts are on the horizon.

The last time she asks for "nannies."

The last time she lays down for a nap.

The last time I change her diaper (this one is welcomed!).

The last time she reaches her arms up and says, "caewy me."

There's so many more coming.

But there's also so many more firsts on our way, for her and for our family. We are (finally) exiting the baby years (for. good.). And as much as part of me aches and yearns for a new squishy baby to hold, snuggle, and breathe in its tantalizing baby scent, I know that our family is complete. I'm ready to see what lies beyond the baby years. I'm ready to see what it's like to not have to schedule around naps and early bedtimes. I'm ready to not have to carry a grocery store in a diaper bag. I'm ready (and scared) to watch my babies spread their wings and become the incredible people they are becoming.

And I'm so excited to see what this particular fiercely independent child has to teach me. Her spirit is already soaring; I can't wait to see where she's going to bring us.

(But friends, if you ever need a baby snuggler, I'm pretty good at it. Just don't be creeped out by me sniffing your baby's head.) 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Overdue and Tired

Pop Can Caroler Craft

Mother Blessing: A Day of Love and Support