Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Computers and Reflections

My computer has decided that life is no longer worth living and would like desperately to die. But I have to much of my brain saved on the thing so once Philip has a break it's going to get some work done. Short of reformatting the hard drive he's done everything that can be done.

That would be the reason I've not posted. There are lots of pictures and even some video but it's all on the dying machine and isn't accessible. So..... I decided to post a post from my Parenting on Purpose Blog where I address my sons from the heart. This is a post that I did back in March.

Seasons
This evening was spent going through all of the clothes that I have for you boys size 0-3 months. Tomorrow there is a consignment sale that I've decided to sell all of your clothes that are still in good condition...which is actually quite a bit of stuff. You boys didn't spit up very much at this stage and so very few of the things had to be put aside because of stains.

As I sorted there were so many memories that flooded my mind. Sights, sounds and feelings just kept washing over me. The little green, yellow and orange outfits that Allan wore so much because we didn't know you were going to be a boy so most people gave us neutral items. Some of the outfits all three of you wore and then there were special outfits that had special memories to just one of you. Daniel used to look so cute in the little blue sleeper with airplanes on it. Stephen's sleeper that had little green frogs on it that said, "So happy". And the little green sleeper with yellow ducks that Allan was wearing when we took some pictures after he came home from the hospital. As I lay in bed tonight the tears just flowed down my cheeks (and into my ears which is so annoying!) You little guys are growing up so fast.

Never again will I have need for 0-3 month outfits. There will not be another little boy to wear these clothes. They're now lovingly packed in a box and will be delivered to the sale site tomorrow morning. And I feel as though I've packed away part of my life. I'm not sorry that it will only be the three of you. I'm just sorry that these days have gone so quickly and we'll never return to this season again.

Every section of life is a season. The season of childbearing is over for me. It has taught me so much and made me a better person. I've been stretched beyond what I thought I was capable of stretching. Yes, this evening I'm a little sad. I'll miss the innocence of those days, the willing smiles in the morning, the constant drooling and putting everything into your mouth, the peaceful nights, the smells of a clean baby, the fuzzy hairless heads, the giggles, the snuggles.

This season is coming to a close and I will miss it. There's excitement with the new chapter that's about to begin. An almost 5 year old, a two year old and a little boy who will be 1 this year. It's fun when we can talk with you! watch you run and play. But for tonight, the tears will gently make their way down my cheeks as I remember your baby days....and wish they hadn't gone with such swiftness.

6 comments:

Brenda said...

Wow, Marianne! This post nearly made me cry!! Life never slows down, does it?!

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed this post, Marianne, and I am blinking back the tears. I have thought these thoughts as well, since my childbearing years are over, too. Such a bittersweet time. I am ready to move on to the next chapter in our lives, but have so enjoyed my little ones. With my 4 at 10, 9, 5, and 1 I have seen how quickly they grow up. I always hated getting rid of the baby clothes. It was admitting that those days were truly over. I still have a little toddler to enjoy, but all too soon he will be celebrating his 9th birthday like his big sister did this past Sunday. Thanks for reminding me to slow down and reflect on how good God is and how he has truly blessed me. May you and yours feel have a blessed day!

Tonya said...

You flat out made me cry:) You are so right at how quickly the time goes. Thanks for the post. Love ya.

Lisa said...

Seriously! Put a tissue warning on that!

Nancy said...

Just beautiful Marianne! You wrote it all so well! Its all bittersweet isn't it?! I long for more baby days, but then I also enjoy all the fun I have with older children....so many more games to play, and places to go when they are this age. It's all good and you're right....all gone SO quickly! Lovin' every minute!

sarahmfry said...

Holding my latest squeezable bundle now...and giving him extra kisses after reading your post. Oh, I do NOT wish these years away. I wouldn't say I love quite exactly EVERY minute of it, but pretty nearly close. :) Thanks for a peek into your heart blog.