Today I watched my 19 year old son as he left for his cricket match. He got in his car manoeuvred a 3 point turn and drove off down the road. How the hell did he grow up so quick? When did he go from being the little boy with sparkly blue eyes who excitedly jumped up and down clapping his hands while watching a video of the Wiggles in our lounge room…to a big strapping man? When?!
Where’s the little tacker who could demolish a peanut butter sandwich like no ones business? The tidiest and most enthusiastic little eater, who loved sitting on the kitchen bench or popping on his apron and helping me cook and bake.
What happened to the sleepy 7 year old who woke up and skipped into our bedroom squealing with delight because “the tooth fairy came AND SHE RODE MY PONY!!!”. Yeah, my mister liked to put glitter in the glass when he took the tooth away, this night he also moved the little velour pony that sat on my sons bedside and accidentally transferred glitter onto its back LOL.
What about the little school boy who gave the teachers a good laugh when he wrote about his weekend for writing practice? “My Mum had a party because she was 30, I drank 8 Fantas, there were candles in our backyard and Mum was drunk and funny”. Oh dear! For the record I was a bit tipsy and he had 2, maybe 3 Fantas which was massive for my kids who hardly ever got bubbly drink LOL (but his eyes were spinning with the sugar buzz!)
Where did the little boy go that loved nothing more than colouring in, making play dough pizza, having real afternoon tea parties and getting jiggy to early Kylie and Madonna with me in the kitchen? He especially loved it when I danced with a broom and threw in some head-banging moves. Yeah Mumma was cool way back then.
These days he’s making the music as a DJ…How? When? These days he’s not making billie karts out of my old Ab Roller (best use for it ever), these days he’s zooming off in his own car…all 6ft 4 of him and so bloody grown up it makes me smile and ache all at the same time.
I wish I’d taken more time to be ‘in the moment’ with my kids. I wish I’d known how much I would want to remember those years. Don’t get me wrong I did the best I knew how, I was a great mum who was involved and plugged in but as a woman with teenagers…I wish I’d lingered a little longer in those early years.
They grow up sooo quick…linger longer and live in the moment…sit in the pocket of that moment and soak it all in.
Ann says
January 31, 2015 at 5:15 pmOh I hear you Jen..our kids grow so quickly and soon “doing their own thing”..My dear departed mum, always said “our children are only ever on loan to us”..never really knew what she meant, until I had kids of my own..lol..now I get it..xx
Jenni says
January 31, 2015 at 5:39 pmI’ve always held that same philosophy Ann, they are only ours for a while but I still get a pang x
Maggie obst says
January 31, 2015 at 5:36 pmI feel we have ifs and whatever’s with our children. But to watch them develop into fine Adults is something else. When my Son was 19 he took of to be a Jackaroo at Commonwealth Station. I cried for days, couldn’t walk past his bedroom easily. As more tears would simply flow. So I decided that the garden was the best place to be. It helped with the watering I say. But to see him blossom into becoming a Husband then a Father. I couldn’t be prouder. So your love and commitment to both of your boys will pay back very special times for you. Go on this ride with them and enjoy every second with them. A big Love to you and thanks for sharing your story .
Jenni says
January 31, 2015 at 5:40 pmThat must have been tough having your son move away Maggie. Geez I hope mine stay nearby x
merilyn says
January 31, 2015 at 6:02 pmI love that line jen!
“sit in the pocket of the moment and soak it in!” just beautiful!
yes where does the time go? I’m sure it goes quicker these days!;0
cherish the moments for sure! love m:)X
Jenni says
February 1, 2015 at 9:46 amSo quick Merilyn! Too quick x
Kathryn says
January 31, 2015 at 6:42 pmI know exactly how you feel Jen. My kids are 31 and 28 – and they are parents now – I have three little grandies. I would give anything to have them back little just for a day. But, they love me and know how much I loved them and tell me I was a wonderful Mum. On my birthday this year, we were all together, for the first time in over a year. I treasure the photos. Another grandie coming in July – can’t wait! Kathryn x
Jenni says
February 1, 2015 at 9:49 amMust have been a special birthday Kathryn and exciting times ahead with the new grand baby coming x
Gaye says
January 31, 2015 at 8:12 pmOh Jenni, I know exactly how you feel. My son is now 24, moved out at 21 when he bought his first house. He is now a Dad. I still run down the stairs when I hear him come to visit – I yell out Tristan’s here oh so happily!! We are so very proud of him & our daughter. I do miss him so much, lucky our girl is still at home (Georgia is 19) & our fur children he he. Time sure goes way too fast. Wait til you get grandchildren. I could go on & on about our darling Cooper!! Your family is truly beautiful. Thank you for another lovely read. Gaye xx
Jenni says
February 1, 2015 at 9:45 amThank goodness for fur babies Gaye! We love ours x
Magda says
January 31, 2015 at 9:24 pmMy boy is 12 and now calls me in for a chat just before bed time. I’m relishing those moments as I know they will be short lived. Gee the early years went so quickly.
M
Jenni says
February 1, 2015 at 9:44 amSoak that in Magda! I remember those days, my Mister was the one that did story time reading…both biys enjoyed that x
Mary-Anne says
January 31, 2015 at 10:38 pmMy two girls are very grown up and now I am watching my grandchildren. My youngest grandson starts school on Monday and I seem to be feeling it more than I have with any of my other ‘kids’. I will miss him so much, I can’t believe where these last 5 years have gone.
Jenni says
February 1, 2015 at 9:43 amThe cycle of life Mary-Anne…hope there’s not too many tears on Monday x
Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life says
February 1, 2015 at 5:52 pmMy kids are early teens. They seem to have gotten to this age in the blink of an eye! I try and make the most of my time with them, doing fun activities and just hanging out with them, because I know they will soon be grown up.
Maxabella says
February 1, 2015 at 9:22 pmYou know what they say, Jenni: hindsight wears rose coloured glasses. Even now I look back on my kids’ baby years and think “I wish I’d been in the moment more”, but the fact is, that we are generally as in the moment as any single moment will let us be. x
Jenni says
February 1, 2015 at 10:29 pmTrue Maxabella, I just get a pang every now and then.x
Sonia Life Love Hiccups says
February 2, 2015 at 10:12 amThis is EXACTLY how I have been feeling lately too – they are growing so quickly and I just need it to slow the hell down xx
Jenni says
February 2, 2015 at 2:13 pmIt goes very quick Sonia, I’m reflecting a little more these days x