These days are coming to an end.The carrying days. In a few days – he can tell you, at any given moment, exactly how many – this boy will be six years old. He weighs in at forty-seven pounds, and we now think twice about picking him up, let alone carrying him.
He's pleased to be getting bigger. And yet.
One time, as I carried him up the stairs, I said to him, "You're really getting big, buddy." (So far, so good.) I then continued, "One of these days I won't be able to carry you. (Big mistake.)
He burst into tears. "But," (in that gasping for air through tears way) "But. I. like. it. when. you. carry me! It's. one of my. favorite. things!"
"Oh, sweetie, me too," I said. "I'll try to get stronger so I can keep doing it."
We are enjoying the end of our carrying days, relishing every one, even as we look forward to the reading and bike-riding and standing back-flip days that we hope await us.
18 comments:
Oh, Shelley- it's amazing how fast they grow. I can remember my nieces and nephews, how little they once were... now they could carry me!
Thank you for posting the sweet pictures as well!
Those are truly special times enjoy.
I just love this post...it's really special....what a sweetie! The years proceed faster too...I feel like it's been a whirlwind...but each stage is truly a treat!
Peace Giggles
Enjoy each and every moment, they grow so fast!
That was one loving post. I loved that picture too.
Shelley, just wait until the day you realize he can carry you!
You'll be the one crying for so many reasons. . .
Oh, what a lovely meditation on the joys and losses that come with children growing older.... thank you for sharing this with us! What a sweet little boy you have. :)
maybe you better not read mine... as i was out of the lap and into the frying pan.....and i am sure my mother,, much like you had barely grown accustomed to the fact that i was no longer a little girl....
I'm with you 100%. It ends all too quickly, even as I'm grateful for the ensuing beginnings.
I don't carry my older boys anymore (100, 120, 160 pounds each) but they still fight for lap space during family movie nights. My couch will never be the same! I love it!!
I love how mindfully you are parenting your little boy...noticing and treasuring every phase.
I think I just had my very last spontaneous "lap sit" from my oldest a few months ago. But his twin with special needs will probably be plumping himself down on my lap till the end comes. He's already almost my height...so I am going to have to build up my muscles to withstand lap sits from a 6 foot 6 inch (his projected height) 250 pound (if we're lucky and its not more) man, in future! Makes me think of the story of Milo and the Bull.
What a sweet post. I enjoyed reading it. My 9 year-old is now too big to be carried around, and I think she misses it.
What a bittersweet time this is. They grow so quickly, and you put it very beautifully.
I can so relate! My "babies" started sixth grade last week.
How quickly time passes and babes grow into heavy weights. You told this well!
I love the photos. A 'then and now' sort of thing. Very good post.
that's so sweet. and the picture. my boy is 9, and I still love picking him up once in a while. I don't carry anymore, though, just hug and put him back down.
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