Mama PlaygroundA Blog for Moms

I have heard people say that they miss the “baby” phase. I don’t think I am going to be one of those people. Don’t get me wrong. When my next two show up I will savor their sweet sleepy days. I will gaze at them and kiss their fingers and smell their hair and grow in love every day. But I think kids just get more fun with age.

Today as my daughter initiated a game of chase, I thought to myself that this is so much better than lugging her around in her infantile helpless state. Sure, my knees were sore crawling behind her pretending to always be just a bit too slow and stupid to catch her as she wound around the corners of the house, but it was a lovely time all the same. She walks around the house like a hilariously unstable and drunken Frankenstein in a sprint, or chases the dog in a crawl and it just seems like she brings so much to the table. She has a big toothy grin and she makes me laugh all day long. She gives hugs and kisses all the time, and it is so rewarding. To have her bolt across the room in a whirlwind of mysterious inspiration – only to plant a huge hug and sloppy kiss on my cheek. Sigh. Just so sweet!

When the next two progeny arrive I will be happy for their presence, and try to take each day slowly and drink of the experiences fully. But when the whole brood can sing along to favorite Disney songs or debate the merits of cherry popsicles over lime flavor, then I really think I won’t be looking back and wishing for the days where they tore around the house in a pre-language whirl of wining and seeking trouble. Every once in a while I do recall the times when my daughter was very young and I was able to complete full thoughts and sentences over a meal with another adult as my child endlessly enjoyed a single inanimate baby-approved toy. It was nice. But the adventure is just beginning and it seems to be getting better. Kids are like a present that you get to keep unwrapping in layers over time. I love that.