Quote:
Originally Posted by Radio
My kids are pretty much grown (17 & 19), but my pearls of wisdom might be; they do grow up so fast that you really need to cherish those moments and don't be afraid to get down and play with them.
For every "first" it seems like there are more "lasts". My daughter recently got her drivers license so I have driven her to school for the last time. The last time napping with them on my chest. The last time they sat on my knee and ate half my supper. The last time they run to the door when you get home from work.
Some "lasts" are subtle and just fade away and some are abrupt and just end. So relish in those moments cause one day there will be a last time.
Get down on the ground and play the way your kids want to play. I used to have my own Bakugons, Pokemon cards, and dolls. I used to take them to the park and play "grounders" with them. Those are the times and things that stick with them, my kids anyways. Because there will be a last time you play Hot Wheels with your son or have a Tea Party with your daughter.
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I'm far from hitting those milestones, but I think you hit the nail right on the head. Agreed with the previous poster, this is an incredibly powerful post.
One of my 'lasts' was subtle too, and seems to have finally faded out. That was my son wanting to fall asleep on my chest. I always thought i should have regiment for him growing him, and teach him to sleep on his own etc etc. My wife thought otherwise, and co-slept (We still co-sleep most of the time, at least putting him down now, and then tuck and roll). It's a decision that I'm so grateful she made and held on to, because I absolutely cherish and miss the days he fell asleep on my chest willingly.
Honestly to all new parents, just enjoy every last moment. For every 'last', there will be a new 'first'. Don't be too hard on yourselves, and like another poster said, don't be afraid to get down and dirty with them. There is absolutely nothing shameful about looking like an idiot in front of your kids, if it makes them happy and it really has no detrimental effect on you other than maybe your pride. The times I've danced like a weirdo at the grocery store just to hear my son laugh, will trump any feeling of self consciousness.
One of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard was from my uncle, and that was 'be present'. As important as taking care of yourself and your partner is, try to not think so much when you're in your kids presence. Enjoy the moment. I've taken that to heart since having my son, and I have few regrets.