Long Days, Short Years

Before I became a Stay at Home mom, someone told me that my “days would be long, but my years would be short” with the kids.  I really didn’t understand what this person meant, but as I was soon going to find out!

I am constantly trying to figure out things for us to do, that will keep the attention of my older son, but can be manageable for my younger son (ex. mini golf is great and fun for a 3 year old, but what do you do with the 1 year old who wants to walk and get into EVERYTHING!)  We have certainly found our favorite “go to’s”..places like the children’s museum and library, the local park is always fun and then there are the days we do need to run a few errands – hello Target!!

But then there are the times that it is too hot for the park, there is a camp at the museum and we have taken out more books then you’re even allowed in one week from the library – then we get stuck!  It’s the creative projects and games I get stuck with.  I’m not too motivated to get the paper, glue, stickers and markers out, to have it only last about 10 minutes, while I chase around my 1 year old, taking the fallen pieces of “project” out of his mouth.  Or playdough – yes even that is a delicious treat for someone small, curious and teething!  Before I pull my hair out of my head, I stop to think that this is a short lived stage and I can get through this!

My younger son is much more active now, walking and imitating everything is older brother does – for the good and the bad!  It is such a wonderful new time for us to experience they change in dynamics with the two boys.  No longer is one the ‘baby’ who just sleeps all day, he now wants to PLAY too!!

The other day I was talking a walk with the boys and saw a woman dropping her two older sons (maybe 11 years old) at a sports camp.  I realized then that one day in the not so far off future that, I could be THAT woman!  I will enjoy my days of playdough and paper eating, because one day too soon things will change!