One Of These Days I'm Going To Miss These Days

As I've been noticing some patterns surfacing in our household revolving around two three year olds, I've been reminding myself how short these times really are. Or maybe in some cases I'm hoping. But I know, all in all, I will look back on these days with a huge chunk of nostalgia.

One day I might even miss:

the back of my seat being constantly kicked every time I'm driving.

reluctantly switching the Today show to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or Curious George.

having to change my clothes at approximately 8:12 every night because of a more rambunctious than necessary bathtime.

formulating answers to arbitrary "why" questions like "why is that guy wearing a hat?" or "why is it 3:30?"

taking small people back to bed in the middle of the night. every. single. night.*

getting woken up because someone is all of the sudden extremely displeased with their earlier choice of jammies, leading to a ridiculous middle of the night wardrobe change.

refereeing. enough said.

running over something or someone every time I turn around.

worrying about how much chap stick someone can eat before they need medical attention.

hearing myself say, "Be a good listener!" in my best subtle reminder way thousands of times in one day.

getting inefficient help every time I clean.


Honestly, I secretly kind of love all of these things. (OK, that's a stretch on the waking up in the night). But I know these things are a small price to pay for all of the snuggles, "I love yous," and indescribable joy of watching kids grow up. Not to mention the feeling of seeing your kids "get it." And I know I'll miss those days more than anything.

So for all the parents out there, or anyone who is noticing the small annoying things in their routines, take comfort in knowing that there is a bigger picture that makes those things worth it. And everything is just a season. For better or worse.

*Oh, and if anyone has any ideas on how to get your child to stop habitually waking up in the night, I'm all ears.