Every morning, I’m pleasantly woken by the “Ooooh’s” and “Aaaaah’s” of my baby girl. Some days she sleeps until 6am and other days she starts stirring and playing in her crib at 4:30am. But without fail, no matter what time of day, the sounds of her happy squeaky little voice always puts a smile on my face and makes me laugh. She makes the cutest damn baby babble noises ever.
While on vacation last week, I was not only greeted with the sweet sounds of my daughter every morning, but also my 2 1/2 year old nephew. My husband is a cyclist and went on a few early morning bike rides, so when my nephew noticed he wasn’t there he’d say, “Where’s Damon? He bicycle!” If he got mad or was in a grumpy mood he’d say, “I no talka you!” For seven mornings straight, before getting up for the day, I’d lay in bed listening to my daughters baby babble from her pack ‘n play, and my nephews toddler tales from outside my bedroom door.
Once we were home from vacation, I missed hearing my daughters baby babble coupled with my nephews toddler tales. Every time they’re together, he smothers her with hugs, kisses and he loves playing with her. It melts my heart. But then I got to thinking that one day, sooner than I may think, her “Ooooh’s” and “Aaaaahs” will turn into words and phrases. She’ll be saying “Mama”, “Dada” and the dreaded “NO!” There’s a huge part of me that cannot wait to hear her talk. I feel like I have anticipation waiting and wondering what funny things she’ll come out with. I worked with children for several years, and the adorable things toddlers say never fails at making me laugh. But, there’s an even bigger part of me that just wants her to stay a little baby forever. I know a day will come when she will be too big to hold, and I’ll be missing the days of baby cries, baby babble and blowout diapers. One of my cousins told me that she feels like she blinked twice and her daughter was four. These kids really do grow up too fast. So every day, no matter what the joy or struggle, I make a point to take it all in and enjoy every moment, because I know I’ll look back thinking the days of baby babble and toddler tales were truly the best days of my life.
~Slparke