The Sweetest Mother's Day Gift!

Hold Them as Long as They’ll Let You, Mama—These Moments Are Fleeting and Precious

4 Minute Read

By Alexis Wiktorowski

mother and baby www.herviewfromhome.com — Erickson Stock/Shutterstock.com

When I was pregnant with my son, everyone would tell me, “It goes so fast!” and I would just nod and be like, “Yeah, I know.” and I really thought I did know.

Now I’ve had this little boy in my arms for three months, and I realize I really did not know what they meant. It seems like one day he was born and just slept constantly and the next he is smiling and babbling and holding up his head. WHERE DID THE LAST THREE MONTHS GO?!

I find myself feeling burdened by my lack of control of time and it’s inevitable effects on my innocent baby. There are days where I cry because he is growing and changing so fast that I feel like I can’t keep up and it deeply saddens me. As much as I anticipate the many milestones to come, I can’t help but mourn the last three months and all they contained. I feel like they were a whirlwind. I’m so afraid of forgetting them and the precious moments wrapped up in each day.

I’m afraid of forgetting the squeals he let out when he was trying so hard to laugh but wasn’t quite sure how.

I’m afraid of forgetting the feelings of his whole baby body relaxing and being at peace as he begins to nurse and is comforted by just being close to me.

I’m afraid of forgetting the feeling of his tiny hand on my chest as he sleeps so peacefully.

I’m afraid of forgetting the way his eyes light up when he sees Daddy is home from work.

I’m afraid of forgetting the sweet face he makes when he’s finished nursing and fallen asleep.

I’m afraid of forgetting the little sigh of surprise and annoyance he makes after he sneezes three times in a row.

I’m afraid of forgetting the little smiles cast my way through sleepy eyes between night feedings.

I’m afraid of forgetting the feeling of his little body against my chest as I hold him close and wish I never had to let go.

There are so many things, big and small, that I wish I could hold onto and relive as often as I’d like. I beg time, “Don’t let me forget!“

The truth is, time will continue to pass and we will never get it back. I’m sure there are times when we wish it would pass faster, like during sleep regression and teething. However, I know when we look back, we would go through the hard times all over again if we could have the good ones back. Because although being a mom isn’t the easiest job, the good moments make the hard ones more than worth it, and, if we’re honest, there is far more good in this role of motherhood than bad.

More often than not, we wish time would slow down so we can enjoy these sweet moments just a little bit longer. We wish the newborn stage was longer than three months or that our baby wouldn’t start walking so soon or get big so fast. Honestly, even if the newborn phase was six months instead of three or babies didn’t start walking until five, we would still want it to be slower. We would still mourn the time that’s passed because no matter if it’s one month or 10, these moments we have with our kids are precious and deserve to be cherished.

While I am part of the majority of moms who wish time would slow down, I also see a danger in it. We can spend so much time looking at old pictures or reminiscing on what our kids used to do that we miss what is happening right here and now in this present moment. Let’s not let mourning the past invade our present and rob us of our future. Let’s use it to fuel us and motivate us to put away distractions and say “no” to the busyness of life and really invest ourselves fully in enjoying our kids while we have them.

Yes, time goes too fast. Today will never come again. Your kids will never be the exact same as they are today. But don’t miss today by mourning yesterday or fearing tomorrow. Invest all of you in them today.

Read one more book.

Sing “Baby Shark” for the umpteenth time.

Hold them as long as they’ll let you.

You won’t regret it.

You may also like:

Dear Mama, Hold the Baby

Savor These Moments, Mama, Because Time Flies

Lord, Please Don’t Let Me Forget

So God Made a Grandmother book by Leslie Means

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

Order Now!

Alexis Wiktorowski

Stay-at-home mama in northern Indiana who loves all things Jesus, birth, and motherhood! I’m a homebody to my core and find joy in spending time with my husband and our son, reading a good book, and eating copious amounts of chips and salsa. You are welcome to follow along with our journey on Instagram @alexiswik and on my personal blog at alexiswik.wixsite.com/walkwiththewiks.

Dear Zachary, The World Is Yours…And So Am I

In: Child, Motherhood

Dear Zachary, Ever since you were born, your dad and I have taken every precaution to keep you safe. We bought the review mirrors so we could see you in the car. We had the deluxe baby monitor. There were more ER trips than I ever expected to ease your mama’s worries that your run-of-the-mill illnesses might be something other than ordinary. You always had to wear your baby Crocs in “sport mode” so they couldn’t fall off your feet as you toddled around. We covered every single outlet in the house, even the ones you had no hope of...

Keep Reading

It’s Your First Day of Preschool

In: Child, Motherhood

My dearest son, It’s your first day of preschool. Almost four years ago, I didn’t want to think about this day. I wish I could get out of the emotions I’m feeling, but it’s something nobody prepares you for. I wasn’t ready, but watching you be ready made me ready. In the way you sing your ABCs and 123s, confidently counting to 20. The way you started sharing your toys with your little sissy and teaching her colors. The way you improved so much each soccer practice and game. And the way you have asked to play again. The way...

Keep Reading

I’m Proud to Say “That Child” Is My Child

In: Child, Motherhood

Child running in field with jacket and hat on

When a new parent brings home a baby, they realize that exhaustion follows closely behind. We expect sleepless nights and diaper changes, tiny fingers clutching at ours in need. We know we’ll be needed fully and completely, and we assume that as our child grows, that need will change shape but gradually ease. We assume that, in time, we’ll find balance again. But sometimes, that balance never comes. My child is that child. The neurobiologically complex one with an IEP, an FBA, and a safety plan at school. The one who has been in and out of various therapies for...

Keep Reading

My Wild Child Teaches Me How to Be Free

In: Child, Kids, Motherhood

Little boy with toy plane smiling outside

Have you ever heard the phrase “wild child”? What comes to your mind? For me, I tend to picture a young kid running around, who just won’t sit still. Their parents always look so tired. Bless their hearts. Whenever I saw a family with a sweet, little wild child, I gave the parents an encouraging, empathetic smile, just thankful it wasn’t me. Until it was, and I was the one receiving those smiles. Bless my heart. I have a wild child. I can’t deny it, and I certainly can’t hide it. It’s just a plain and simple fact that is...

Keep Reading

I’m Holding Tight to Nine

In: Child, Motherhood, Tween

Young girl standing in ocean waves, color photo

Nine is a tenuous age–she walks a tightrope between the play of a child and the poise of a teen. I see glimpses of the baby she used to be more and more rarely, mostly while she is sleeping. The roundness comes back to her cheeks and the silken hair tangles softly around her face. When awake, she is in constant movement. Dance, gymnastics, and friends take up most of her time. So I’m holding tight to nine. Nine is where she still wants to cuddle in bed at night and talk about her day. Friend troubles, burgeoning crushes, worries...

Keep Reading

The First Day of Preschool is Hardest for the Moms

In: Child, Kids, Motherhood

The first day of Pre-K. Wow, that’s a hard one. On that first day, it starts with prolonged hugs. It progresses to tears. And it explodes with full-blown screaming as your child has to be peeled off your body, and you physically hurry for the exit while your heart lingers behind. At the end of the preschool hallway, you stop, ears straining to hear whether your child has calmed down. But it’s too hard to tell with the noise from all the other children being dropped off on their own first day of Pre-K. Pick-up should be better. Surely by...

Keep Reading

Welcome to Kindergarten, You’re about to Experience Something Great

In: Child, Kids, Motherhood

I’m sure you have plenty of mom friends who can help prepare you for the drastic life change you are about to embark on as your child enters kindergarten. Maybe they prime you with humor: “Woohoo, someone else is responsible for turning them into a decent human now!” or “Hey, no more daycare payment!” Maybe they are the nurturing sappy type: “They’ll always be your baby! They’re onto new things!” Or maybe they’re just factual: “This is part of life. They will learn so much. You need to let them go eventually.” And all of these people would be telling...

Keep Reading

First Grade Is a Big Year

In: Child, Kids, Motherhood

Little girl in dance costume walking down sidewalk, color photo

The beginning of a new school year always comes with little reminders that our babies are growing up. It’s a moment to reflect on how quickly they grow and dive into the excitement of a fresh new year. Of course, those first days are always bittersweet as they move up to a new grade, but so far, it’s been manageable. Pre-K then Kinder, I could handle those. Fun first years of school filled with play and cute little graduations. But this year, I feel like it’s getting really real. First grade! Can you believe it? How fast our babies grow....

Keep Reading

There Is Beauty in the In-Between

In: Child, Motherhood, Tween

Tween girl standing on boardwalk of beach

She’s at that in-between stage—not a young child, not a teen. She’s tall. So very tall. And a little bit gangly. But she runs like a small child, and it looks so endearingly awkward. My baby, my girl, still with the body of a child but the mind of an inquisitive adolescent. She’s curious, she’s funny, but still so young. Her humor is on our level, she gets our jokes that go over her sisters’ heads, and she makes us laugh so much. But then, she asks a question that reminds us of her precious young years. She’s still new...

Keep Reading

I Just Can’t Let Go of the Play Kitchen Yet

In: Child, Kids, Motherhood

Play kitchen set up near patio door, color photo

If there is one toy I would love to pass along, it is my children’s play kitchen. At 10 and 7 years old, it is no longer a priority toy for my daughter and son. Instead, the play kitchen has become a sort of dumping ground for any current toys that need a temporary storage space. As I glance at it now, it houses my son’s constructed LEGO helicopter, Nerf guns, and a robot as well as my daughter’s collection of library books, a random water bottle in her favorite color orange, and her jumping rope. Remnants of pans, utensils,...

Keep Reading

When the Hurry Becomes Too Hectic, Become the Mom Who Slows Life Down

Motherhood

When the Hurry Becomes Too Hectic, Become the Mom Who Slows Life Down

Dear Husband, I Love Being By Your Side At Church

Faith

Hold Them as Long as They’ll Let You, Mama—These Moments Are Fleeting and Precious

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

Alexis Wiktorowski

Dear Zachary, The World Is Yours…And So Am I

It’s Your First Day of Preschool

I’m Proud to Say “That Child” Is My Child

My Wild Child Teaches Me How to Be Free

I’m Holding Tight to Nine

The First Day of Preschool is Hardest for the Moms

Welcome to Kindergarten, You’re about to Experience Something Great

First Grade Is a Big Year

There Is Beauty in the In-Between

I Just Can’t Let Go of the Play Kitchen Yet

Get It Now

So God Made a Mother

Hold Them as Long as They’ll Let You, Mama—These Moments Are Fleeting and Precious

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

Dear Zachary, The World Is Yours…And So Am I

It’s Your First Day of Preschool

I’m Proud to Say “That Child” Is My Child

My Wild Child Teaches Me How to Be Free

I’m Holding Tight to Nine

The First Day of Preschool is Hardest for the Moms

Welcome to Kindergarten, You’re about to Experience Something Great

First Grade Is a Big Year

There Is Beauty in the In-Between

I Just Can’t Let Go of the Play Kitchen Yet

Previous Post

Next Post

You May Also Like