I was going through old files and found this. I wrote it 8 years ago. I can picture my youngest’s rough little voice, and it’s true that my oldest now has a stubbly, scratchy cheek like his dad 🥲 I’m so happy I wrote it down and didn’t trash it because I completely forgot about my middle son giving me 10 kisses before school each day 🥰

My 3 year old comes into my bedroom early every morning, his footy pajamas make a swooshing sound as he shuffles across the carpet, dragging his blankie behind him. His raspy little voice floats through the darkness asking the same question each time, “Mommy, can I get in bed?” I pull back the blankets, he climbs up. I squeeze him and smell his hair. I love this ritual and will miss it when he’s older.

My 5 year old, with a cowlick sticking straight up on his head, looks up at me with his big brown eyes and asks for 10 kisses before he leaves for school. In the craziness of the morning, I drop whatever I’m doing to oblige. He grabs my face and starts kissing; counting between each one until he reaches 10. I love this ritual and will miss it when he’s older.

My 8 year old still likes for me to tuck him in at night. We say a prayer and sing a few songs. I stroke his soft cheek, imagining the day when he’ll have scratchy stubble like my husband. I know it won’t be long until he’s too cool to do this with his old mom, so I cherish it while I can. I love this ritual and will miss it when he’s older.

You know what I won’t miss?

·       Puke at 2am. 

·       Puke in the car seat. 

·       OK, puke in general. 

·       Booger-eating. 

·       The questions: “Did you wipe your butt? Did you wash your hands?” (And the fight that ensues when they tell me no.)

·       “I want milk.” – The minute my ass hits the seat. 

·       My 3 year old grabbing my boobs. 

·       “But I’m starvingggg….” at 5:45AM. “But I’m starvingggg” at 8:45PM.

·       Toys EVERYWHERE. 

·       Crumbs EVERYWHERE.

·       Cleaning an exploded Pull-up® out of my washing machine because I didn’t realize there was a used one in the pile of dirty laundry on the floor.

·       Piles of dirty laundry on the floor.*

·       “I don’t want to wear my jacket!” 

·       “I don’t want THAT cup, I want THAT cup!”

·       “Where’s my shoe?” 

·       “But I don’t like that shirt!”

·       “I want cereal.” – After an hour spent cooking.*

·       The whining.*

·       Pee on the toilet seat*

·       Unflushed toilets. (Seriously? I thought kids loved seeing poop go bye-bye!)

·       Spilled drinks. (For this one I am extremelypatient because I know it might be an accident, but I KNOW they do it on purpose sometimes.  I mean, it’s like every night people!!!)

·       MMA style wrestling to cut their toenails. 

·       Oh, and I almost forgot puke.

*I am fully aware that these behaviors may continue into adulthood, please humor me.

Unfortunately young Tiffy, there are still about 8 things on this list that still occur 😳 🤦🏻‍♀️