You’re Gonna Miss This: Encouraging Words for Mother's Day

She fell back in her chair, but then caught herself.  Panicked, she looked for me and then produced the expected waterfall.  After a day like the one we’d had—non-stop whining, disciplining, and accidents— I was surprised when the lyrics popped into my head…

You’re gonna miss this.  You’re gonna want this back.

She’s only two.  And she’s had a rough month, with a new baby sister added to the family.  Of course there’ve been the usual cranky moments, potty training issues, time outs and messes, but there’ve been so many good moments too.   She’s given that baby so many hugs and kisses it’s verging on annoying.  And she tries so hard to help—always wanting to see what I’m doing with “her baby”.  With the chaos of a newborn in the house, I know she’s not getting the attention she used to.   And sometimes I forget that she’s only two.  She’s still a baby herself.

It was only two years ago that she was snuggled safe inside my belly.  No words, no smiles, no fears, no tears.  Only two years ago she was nestled at my breast, skin to skin, feeling warm and happy and content.  When did I stop treating her like my baby and expect her to be my “big girl”?   When did she stop needing to be rocked to sleep at night?  When did my songs change from lullabies about love to silly songs about “boogies”?  When did belly laughs replace baby coos?  And when did she stop calling me “mama” and start calling me “Mommy”?  

I want to learn how to treasure every moment—even on days like today when I’m not sure why or how I’m doing this.  Keeping a mommy journal can help. Because I know there will be a day when I will look back and wonder “When did those scribbles start staying in the lines?  When did she start watching Hannah Montana instead of Dora the Explorer?  When did she stop asking to be held?  When did she stop calling me “Mommy” and start calling me “Mom”?”

 You’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast.  These are some good times.  So take a good look around.  You may not know it now…But you’re gonna miss this.

Only two years ago, I was childless— unaware of the joys or frustrations or clutter or insights or laundry or giggles or bond that these two years would bring.  It seems like just yesterday I was pulling an all-nighter to finish my paper for Modern Literature.  Now I’m pulling all-nighters to try to soothe a fussy baby.  In the blink of an eye I went from living in an apartment with two friends to a home with two daughters.

There are certainly days when I miss my “pre-child” life.  I miss being able to read in silence.  I miss being able to get in my car and go without lugging carseats, diaperbags, snacks, drinks and a change of clothes for everyone.  I miss being able to fit into a size 6 jean instead of managing with stretchy yoga pants.  I miss being recognized for my intelligence, smile, and talents—instead of being needed for kissing booboos and the ability to reach the snack foods.

And yet I know that one day, I will look back and miss these days.  I’ll miss snuggling my girls as they drift off into dream world.  I’ll miss combing their wispy hair and smelling their soft skin.  I’ll miss the chaotic clamor in the house and the treasured silence when everyone is asleep.  I’ll miss the cries of a newborn and the squeals of a toddler.  And I’ll miss being called “Mommy.”

Shannon is a youth pastor's wife and full-time mommy to two sweet girls.  In addition to writing for ATFM, she teaches piano, writes for her own blog (Key MOMents) and volunteers at church and in the community.