I'm not one to get choked up every time that my kids accomplish something for the first time. Most of them just happen so quickly that you really don't have time to react. I can remember vividly when Tyler rolled over for the first time, it was over nine years ago now. I can also remember when Carter took his first steps six years ago this March. Those firsts were great. But I've noticed something though as my kids get older.
While the first firsts were met with excitement, it's the last firsts that leave me with sadness.
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| This smile is changing forever |
Carter is about to lose his two front teeth.
When it happened to Tyler, I did feel like he was getting older but nothing like I am feeling with Carter. Maybe it would be different if there was a third kid, but there isn't going to be a third kid. Every time something happens to Carter, it's going to be the last time it happens in our family.
There will be a lot more last firsts - girlfriends, college, getting married, having kids of their own - I just don't know that I am ready for them quite yet.
Great piece. I totally agree. And not matter the number of kids, it hits you when the final kid grows up. I've got 4 kids: oldest is 10, youngest is 3. Every time the 3 year old outgrows a toy, or hits a milestone, it's bittersweet. I'm sure my wife is going to be a bucket of tears when our youngest gets on the kindergarten bus.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean John. It doesn't make it any better with 4 kids. Im stressing Carly turning 7 this month and not even thinking about Camlin being 4. I feel older every day and Im not sure if its from the kids or my own doing. The milestones are fun though, just think of the stuff they will do from now on.
ReplyDeleteI think about these things a lot. Some will be welcomed here though, like the last first day without diapers.
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