Today my baby boy Asher turns eighteen months old. Seriously, where has the time gone? It seems like I just had that infamous car ride to the hospital. I know he’s still so very little, but I’m having a bit of hard time with him getting older. As excited as I am to watch to him grow and discover new things every day, I also see him gradually transforming into more of a pint-size little boy and less of a baby. I think it feels especially hard with him because he is our last. Three out of my last four pregnancies sadly ended early and those babies are now with Jesus. So there is an extra dose of special sweetness about Ashy… He was such a bundle of joy sandwiched between such heartbreak. His name means “happy” and little did we know that it would be his signature trait. He is truly always grinning and sporting his little dimple when he smiles big enough (unless of course, he is at church and away from his Mama. Then he is a screamin’ hot mess.)
So as Ashy transforms into little boyhood, he is teaching me to hang on to every moment–to savor it, breathe it in, let it linger. Every tight squeeze around my neck, every thumb-sucking rockabye, every sloppy kiss, and every 6-toothed cheesy grin just remind me to live in this moment. Embrace it. Be present in it. As time so quickly slips away, these moments are just that, only moments. A twinkling. Irreplaceable. I’m learning that one of the greatest gifts I can give my kids is my full presence. I used to think that was just jibber-jabber but I’m seeing how quickly the moments come and go–even the hard ones and we can’t get them back. So be present today no matter who you’re with–even if you are only with yourself. Take a break from staring at your computer, texting on your phone, watching TV, or any kind of other distraction. Be present with the here and now. Have a heart of gratitude. Enjoy the moment!
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” –Mother Teresa
Blissfully yours,
Heather*
No Muck Motto:
I will purposefully engage and enjoy today’s moments.
