What I Miss. Really.

As my children grow older and move forward with their lives,  I realize I am missing those long ago days when they were toddlers; when life just seemed simpler and every one, including myself, felt better after an afternoon nap.  I have no idea why I have been so melancholy lately.  Maybe it’s the hot flashes. Maybe it’s the shock of another upcoming college tuition bill.  Maybe I’m just tired.  Probably all three. Regardless, those were such happy times and I think about them often, especially as my daughter attends her last semester of high school. Here are some things I miss the most. Really.

My boy once upon a time....

Buying Hot Wheels

I remember the “ooh’s” and “aah’s” my son used to utter when he was allowed to pick out two (TWO!) hot wheels from the display at our local toy store.  What stress it was for him.  Now, he’s beating me consistently on Words for Friends.

Ordering Happy Meals

I miss the days when the drive thru attendant would ask me if I wanted a Happy Meal for girl or a boy. Those cheap, plastic toys entertained my kids for a good 15 minutes, always when I needed it the most.

A Toddler In My Grocery Cart

Oh, for those days when I would lift them up, put them in their seat in the grocery cart and swing by the bakery for their free cookie.  I trained myself to have most of my shopping done by the time they took their last bite and started the twisting and back arch when they wanted out. Today, I’m in the Clearasil aisle.

Santa looks happy

Christmas Morning

Enough said.

Their Joyful Expression When You Picked Them Up From Pre-School

Remember when they would run to you when they saw you enter their classroom after a morning of nursery school?  My kids would always squeal, “There’s my mommy!”  Now, when I enter the room I hear, “Quiet, here’s my mom.”

Holding Their Hand

Can I bring back those days when my children would grab my hand and not let go? And as an added bonus, when I knew the answers to everything?

I often show them this picture to remind them that they once liked each other

Choosing Their Clothing

Yeah, don’t do that anymore.

The Homework Was Easy

In those days, all I had to know were my colors and how to count to ten.

There is a story behind this photo. I still cringe.

They Laughed At My Jokes

At one time my kids thought I was hysterical as I could tell a “Knock Knock” joke like no other.  Now it’s “DON’T EMBARASS ME!”

A Band Aid And A Juice Box Solved Everything

I wish that still worked.

When They Would Crawl Into Your Lap And Fall Asleep

My husband contributed this one.  He’s so right.

When You Danced, They Would Join You

I remember the days when I would put music on before dinner and we would dance around the house.  If I did that now, they would think I was having a stroke.

Yep, she's leaving for college in September

Sleepovers Weren’t In Their Vocabulary

I am so over sleepovers.

Reading Good Night Moon

Well this almost makes me cry. Like a knife in the heart.

My subject of my next blog will be “What I Love About Raising Teenagers,” just  as soon as I think of something.  Actually, it only gets better. Really.