If I Could Keep You Little

My best friend gave me this book when Chloe was a baby, and I literally teared up every.single.time. I read it.  I’m better at reading it now, but the last page still gets me.  The book talks about how mamas want to keep their kids little, but if they could, they would miss out on all the things that kids do and learn as they grow.  That last page I mentioned?  It’s about graduating high school.  Yep, I know.

Chloe was a really happy baby.  Not a great sleeper, but so happy all the time.  And she was my only one, so spending my days with her was pure bliss.  We’d shop, go to the park, have picnics, read books, sing, take pictures, play … you name it.  I remember wishing she could always stay a baby and actually feeling the urge to cry when I would think about her growing up.  But she’s almost three now, and I cannot imagine missing the experience of knowing this Chloe.  She’s still a happy girl, but she’s also sassy, stubborn, independent, funny, curious and wild.  And three years from now, my nearly 6 year old Chloe will be someone I know I will want to experience.  Even if it does mean she is growing up.  My nearly sixteen year old Chloe?  Well, let’s not get carried away.

The thing is … I am honored that God chose me to be my girls’ mama.  I am blessed that my babes are healthy, and I DO get to watch them grow up.  And I cannot wait to see the little humans they become (and the big ones).  I’m going to hold on tight to this time when they are still small, but I am also going to allow myself to enjoy the childhood journey.  The days are long, but the years are short.

Let’s hug ’em tight, mamas, and watch them grow.

xoxo, Heidi

P.S. If you want this book, find it here on Amazon!  It’s also a FREE read on Kindle!