on the cusp

As parents we know only too well

that children seem to grow up really fast.

That in what seems like the blink of an eye;

they go from bump to baby to toddler to child.

I can't speak for any older than that

but I have no doubt that it continues at that rate.

Parenthood feels a bit like you're living your life on a roller coaster,

it's fast, it's relentless, it has ups and downs

and much as you might like it to just slow down a bit,

it won't happen, can't happen,

it will keep racing forward.

We talk a lot about the bittersweet nature of parenthood,

and how as much as it's amazing to see them grow and learn and develop

it's also kind of sad how quickly it all happens.

And it is so bittersweet.

I can remember cuddling those warm little newborns like it was yesterday,

the way their bodies moulded into mine,

with that intoxicating milky, new smell.

But my children are not those babies anymore,

and they won't be again,

they will keep growing up and growing older

and I'm okay with that.

Because the alternative is... well... unbearable to even consider.

Lately both my children seem to be on the cusp of big changes.

My beautiful girl seems to be leaving babyhood behind

and is becoming every bit the little toddler with each passing day.

And as she enters toddlerhood

my beautiful boy seems to be leaving it behind 

and it's definitely a proper little boy who stands before me now.

Big changes seem to be happening

and right now I am oh-so-aware of how fast they grow,

but, perhaps for the first time, those changes aren't giving me that pang of melancholy.

In the past I've always kind of mourned the changing phases,

I've been excited for all the new skills and milestones, don't get me wrong

but I've been sad at the same time.

But something about the changes we've been seeing lately,

is just too exciting to be sad about.

My children are getting closer by the day

and are real, proper friends and playmates.

The rapidly increasing understanding and communication 

is so fun to witness and to be a part of.

Our days are a mixture of games 

and make believe 

and a whole lot of laughter.

And I wouldn't change that,

not even for those addictive milky snuggles.

Of course they will always be my babies.

And at some point in each day

those babies suddenly don't seem so far away after all.

Like when my little man wakes up from his nap

all rubbery faced and in need of cuddles while he comes round fully.

Or when my little miss is fresh out of the bath,

wrapped in a fluffy towel sleepily sucking her thumb.

But I'm happy to take those fleeting baby moments,

breath them in,

enjoy the way life slows down in those seconds.

...And then embrace the momentum 

as the rollercoaster picks up pace again.