My son through his first three years of life

After the baby/toddler milestone segment, I started thinking about what happens when our baby’s not so baby anymore.  We often hear about the baby blues or postpartum depression after your baby is born, but sometimes we forget about what happens after the 12 month mark.  My daughter is almost 15 months and my son will be four, and it just amazes me how fast the time is passing.  But with my daughter it seems that the time passed quicker. 

            My baby is growing and needing me less often, because she is learning to be independent and although I am proud of her milestones, it’s still hard as her mom.  She weaned herself from breastfeeding completely at 13 months and doesn’t want to be held as often as before.  Now as I watch her take her first steps, I realize that she will never be this little again.    

            So what do you do? Well I don’t think that there’s anything you can really do to stop time, However, I have been trying to take some time to just be there for them because before I know it they won’t be “babies” anymore.  They will always be my baby(s), but growing and becoming more interested in other things is normal and completely natural

My daughter’s journey through her first year.

for them and their development.

            Play and Enjoy their company.  The other day I realized that in a few months my first born baby boy will be four years old.  This means that he will one day be in school and we won’t be able to spend all our days together like we do now.  This really started to break my heart.  So I started taking more time from my days (and chores) to just play with them.  We get so busy with the day to day stuff that we forget that sometimes that’s all they want from us.  My son loves music and now my daughter does too.  We have “dance parties” and music time where we sing, dance, and play instruments they love it and so do I. 

            Get out there.  It’s ideal to Take little trips daily, however, that may not always be completely realistic.  I like to do little Outings once a week which are Fridays, however the other days we do little walks around the block, or the park.  This can go a long way, during this time I try to leave my phone in my purse and just focus on them (however, I do sometimes check in or post pics of them on my social media :-0 Sometimes when I feel like staying and not taking them places, afterwards I am always glad I did because they are so happy.  Happy to be with me; and I’m happy to be with them.

            Relax.  As an adult we stress, about anything and everything.  That stress is often transferred to our kids, I am saying this from my experience.  When I’m having a stressful or bad day, my kids seem to feel it and their behavior changes.  So Relax.  Watch a TV show or movie with your kids, color, paint, or do a puzzle.  These things are so theraputic in my opinion, it truly takes our minds off the things bothering us.  Plus it also helps your kids unwind and do something productive. 

            Lately I have been so nostalgic because we’ve moved to a new place and are starting a new chapter in our lives.  I have watched my kids grow from birth to now and it’s truly been my greatest pleasure in my life (even if they drive me crazy).  It’s been an amazing journey and now as I watch them grow up and turn into toddlers/preschoolers I feel sad, and think that one day they will move out and start their lives.  I’m excited to see and think of what the future holds for them.  My advice for all my mommies feeling this way is to do the same.  Remember that they are only little for such a short time.  Think about positive and fun things for them and what’s to come.  Read to them, laugh with them, and teach them everything you know.  They are  so interested in us as their parents. 

            I hope that these tips help you to focus on your little babies, they aren’t little for long so enjoy every moment if you can. 

            Thanks for stopping by mommies, I appreciate all your support, comments, feedback and love.  Share my blog so that together we can strive for mommy success!

XOXO,

Reina