I hope you’ll read this post from the Power of Moms. Katie writes of how young parents often year the words “just wait” in reference to the hard things they will face as they raise their child. She switches the focus and instead tells parents, “You have so much joy ahead of you . . . Just wait.”
Although I have only been a mother for five years, I couldn’t agree more. So I thought I’d add a few of my own, to help us all stay focused on the joy we get to experience as parents.
To the new mom and dad:
Just wait until you discover your baby is afraid of the prickly texture of grass. (Facial expressions are priceless.)
…until you see your spouse do things you never would have imagined him doing. Like crawl along the beach with his son.
Just wait until you take your child to fly his first kite.
…until you help your him blow out his birthday candles.
…until your oldest climbs into the crib just because he missed his brother during naptime.
Just wait until you introduce your older children to a new sibling.
…until you gaze at a sleeping toddler and somehow forget all of the stunts he pulled that day.
…until you see your new baby’s eyes searching for your face, at the sound of your voice.
…until you burst out laughing at that strange little jig your toddler does when he’s excited.
…until your house has been overtaken by the color pink and you don’t mind one bit.
Just wait until your eyes sting with tears in the most ordinary moment, because you know you won’t get to live it again.
And a million more.
Linked up with Jellibean Journals and Grace at Home.
Oh my – such a sweet post! Love your positive outlook about the unexpected joys of motherhood. I am visiting from Imparting Grace.
Thanks so much, Calista! I’m excited to check out your blog!
Ahhhhh….it’s a joy to be purposeful in life! Loved reading your post!
What a good post for me to read. Sometimes I feel pretty trapped in this crazy little life. But a little perspective and a positive twist is the perfect medicine. Thanks!
We are trapped together! I feel the same way a lot of the times. (I think it’s doubled when you’re far away from family, btw.) Miss you!!
I love it!
If only he crawled into his crib for that reason–ours was to steal back his favorite monster truck. But yes, they are both in love with their new little brother and its adorable.
You have managed to capture so many lovely moments via photographs. So sweet. Those moments are precious and short.
This is so sweet and so true! I forgot about the feeling of grass, what a great moment to capture. I’ll have to have my camera ready when my baby starts being mobile
Yes, definitely! We actually found it quite convenient with our first son that when we set him in grass, he wouldn’t budge and inch. He’d just look confused and mildly alarmed, and he’d sit perfectly upright. Sometimes I’d joke that when I needed a minute of peace (without him crawling to a cupboard and pulling everything out), all I had to do was go find a patch of grass to plop him in. 🙂 Definitely catch it with cute Grace! (Also, I think our babies were born only two days apart!)
For real?!! You are truly my blog twin
This is
What a truly beautiful post! I’ve seen my fiance do so many things already that I’d never imagine him doing with our little girl, just to get a giggle or smile out of her. Parenthood is an amazing thing!
Thanks for stopping by my Breastfeeding Diary at Julie’s blog! It sure is a sacrifice, but so worth it! 🙂
Thanks so much for commenting, Jessica! I really enjoyed reading and related to your post. And yes, parenthood IS amazing. I’ll be hopping over to your blog soon!
I remember reading this post back before we moved and thinking about all the joyful Just Wait’s I’ve experienced. And no matter how many times there are the unjoyful ones, the fact remains that these little ones change us forever and bring real happiness with them. And there are still so many Just Wait’s I’m looking forward to!
This is such a tender, beautiful post, Erica! It makes me look forward to having kids someday!
LOVE this.
What a beautiful post! We are expecting our 2nd later this Fall and I can’t wait for our little guy to meet his little sister 🙂
Thank you so much, Emily! I can honestly say that the two times we’ve gotten to introduce our kids to a new baby have been some of my very favorite moments of parenthood. I’m excited for you to get to do it!
I think this positive spin on “Just wait” is such a wonderful thing–and so true. And I love that shot of little Trenton flying his kite against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge arching up through the fog!
What a sweet post! I loved your twist on what so many parents make seem like the worst is yet to come. It is such a blessing to be a parent and watch my little girl grow & learn. I couldn’t be more grateful to be able to follow along with her and my husband every single day. Thank you, Erica, for taking the time to link up with us at the Mommy-Brain Mixer this week. It’s a pleasure to meet such a positive mom like you!
Thanks so much, Jelli! It was fun joining you guys and I’m looking forward to continuing!
Erica, this is so beautiful (and made me cry–for the best reasons possible)! As a childless person, it is good to be reminded about what is enduring and lovely about parenthood. Especially since I have heard my fair share of scare tactic parenting stories… This positive spin is wonderful and crucial. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, I just love this. I’ve only been a mom for 6 months and I can already relate to many of these, most specifically the one about crying over moments that you’ll only live once. Thanks so much for sharing.