Monday 26 May 2014

The Moment You Realise The Old Ladies Were Right...

The penny finally dropped the moment I tore open the letter and read the opening line. I mean, don't get me wrong, I was flooded with relief. For a second. We had got the place we had so longed for. And then the reality began to hit.

In September, our firstborn will be flying the nest.

OK... we're a long way from her really flying the nest... she's not even 3 yet, but for the first time, my little girl will be spending significant time away from her family.

She's starting Nursery Class.

   
Our little lady will be heading off every morning to school, and I'll be joining hoardes of Mother's throughout history, watching my baby girl walk into that classroom with a lump in my throat...

Where did that time go?

Wasn't it yesterday that that little wriggling body was placed in my arms; that we brought that baby home, shell-shocked and uncertain, and wondering if we would ever be able to give her all she needed?

Wasn't it yesterday that I stroked that downy hair while our little bundle quietly gulped in the small hours of the night to an otherwise silent world?

Wasn't it yesterday that we fed her those first mouthfuls of pureed carrot, her little lips blowing raspberries and staining everything in sight?

Wasn't it yesterday that she took those first tentative steps as we stood, across the room from each
other, holding our arms out as our little girl waddled backwards and forwards between Mama and Papa to cheers and whoops and clapping galore?

Wasn't it yesterday that she told me, as she snuggled into me before bed, that she loved me, for the very first time?

Wasn't that yesterday???

 

It feels like it. And slowly, I am understanding all those times those lovely old ladies have stopped me in the shops, or on the bus, or at the petrol station, and told me to cherish every second because its gone in a flash.

It IS gone in a flash.

And suddenly, with the opening of one envelope, I realise how right they are.

These years are so precious. They are so formative. They are so vital.

I must cherish every second. The beautiful memories... but also the hard ones. The middle of the night wake-ups, the constant messy trail following your tidying, the constant noise, the incessant flow of questions...

Because one day, when the house is spotless, and the rooms are silent, and my babies really have flown the nest, I'll wish I hadn't moaned about it so very much...

(Photos courtesy of my fab brother, Alex)

mummy daddy me



8 comments:

  1. Yes goes too quick! I thought Oscar going to nursery was hard but school is total different ball game. 😪😂👍👎👌
    Ava along with all the other children will be just fine it's us mummies that feel it. Mixed emotions. X

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  2. Where does that time go indeed, lovely to watch them flourish and grow though

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  3. awww honey this made me cry!! i am feeling the same ...... big hugs my lovely xx

    thanks for linking up with #MagicMoments

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  4. They grow up so quickly, don't they? You sometimes wonder where all the times goes... I love the design of your blog, really pretty. Glad I found it though #MagicMoments. Mel

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  5. It does go so quickly, but they still bring so much magic that I think the key is to keep enjoying those moments just as much as you did when they were little. Learning to read, write, drawing are all just as amazing. Thank goodness for all the pictures we have these days :) #magicmoments

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  6. Beautiful post, C. Love the photos too. And yes, these times are so precious, though I have to say, the times seem to fly past faster the older they get! Enjoy every moment, its so true (crikey, i'm sounding like an old lady too!). Sx (i tried to comment earlier but it didn't work, hope it does this time).

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  7. Oh this is such a beautiful post. I'll admit I'm rather glad that Kitty will be nearly five before she starts school - I've made my peace with nursery but I'm not sure I can cope with time having passed so quickly for me to be having a school age daughter just yet!

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  8. Bittersweet aint it? I am mixed emotions when my little one started school. I am so happy that he will meet new friends but I am so afraid that he will not be as close to me anymore. Selfish I know. #MagicMoments

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