There are times in this life when we think the clock has all but stopped. When we’re little, we can’t wait for our birthday or Christmas. In high school, we can’t see past graduation. For many of us, we eagerly await the arrival of Prince Charming. Sometimes it’s a promotion, or the envelope with our tax return to come in the mail (ha!). We wait for vacation. We wait for a spouse to return home from war. We wait for a child to arrive home safely from their first drive around town alone. We wait for the school day to end.
To this one:
…in the course of, like, one day?
It just doesn’t make any sense to me.
Two years old. That sounds so… big. There’s no way I can call him a baby anymore. He’s a little boy now.
I was looking through the pictures this morning of when Troy was born and marveling at how tiny he was. His little features, the blonde hair I was so surprised to see, the little fingers and toes. I reminisced about the days of learning to nurse him, and lazy mornings just playing in our jammies when he was just learning to giggle.
But then I realize with a start that as fast as these past two years have gone, I’m sure it’ll just snowball from here on out, time going faster and faster until these little boys are both grown.
It won’t be long until Troy is not just a little big boy, but a true big boy. When he’ll no longer say, “Luh loo, Mommy,” but, “Hey, love ya, Mom.” He’ll soon forget about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and The Doodlebops and move on to movies with real people. Instead of spending ten minutes figuring out how to put a chunky puzzle piece in place, he’ll be needing help with multiplication tables and spelling tests. He’ll be done taking his little brown and white plastic doggie for walks and he’ll be spending hours playing Frontier Man in the backyard. He’ll read books on his own and draw his own pictures.
And then, I’ll turn to stir a pot on the stove, turn back around, and find a grown man standing in front of me. I pray he’ll be a man who loves Jesus and trusts Him for his salvation. A man who has harnessed his strong spirit into strength of character. Who will, in turn, raise up another generation of little ones and lead them to Jesus.
I know when this little guy is tall enough for me to rest my head on his shoulder, I’ll be thinking back to his sweet little smile and when he said, “Yes man!” instead of, “Yes ma’am!” I’m praying I don’t look back and regret spending too much unnecessary time at that stove or running errands or, most definitely, on the computer. That I have plenty of memories of books read, crafts and messes made, times of training, and lots of those great big smiles.
Going into my oldest’s third year of life, I’m realizing that what every parent has always said is only too true–time does indeed fly by. So I’m going to make the most of this next year with my little guys, cherishing every little second. Because there’s nothing I would rather do.
Happy Birthday, my little man. You have no idea how much you are loved!
Robin says:
I read this listening to my ‘little boy’ in the next room enjoying his games and friends.
Not only is it important to make time for them as the grow, it is important to remember those times when they’re grown. I think I’ll go pull out some photo albums. :)
Happy Birthday, Troy!
p.s., how’s your mouth?!
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March 27th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Katya says:
Oh, sakes. I am just starting to understand. Being a mommie is enough to break your heart and bring great joy ALL at the SAME time. I don’t want to waste a moment of it!!
I mean, Greta doesn’t even have that newborn smell anymore. I cried. But now I get to enjoy her milk-breath (delicious). Each day is a TREASURE.
A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your sweet Troy!
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March 27th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Darcy says:
Happy Birthday Troy!!! I love that picture of him!
You’re very right at how fast time goes as a Mama. I know our own Mama’s have said the same of us, but my firstborn will be 8 years old on the 15th. I have no idea where the time has gone. We just have to learn to savor it all while we’re in it.
Have a blessed day celebrating, and on your lil trip you’re taking (your Mama mentioned it on her blog), but if your trip involves coming to the inland region of the empire, email me, both my mom and I would love to meet you and your mama in person!
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March 27th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Ginger says:
Aww man you do it everytime. I am either laughing my head off or trying my hardest to blink away the tears before anyone notices!!LOL
You are so amazing with words!!!
Happy Birthday Troy!
Ginger~
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March 27th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
cdaisy113 says:
*wipes away tears*
So true!
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March 27th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Josh and Sarah says:
I love your posts Ash!! They are so fun :o)
Tell Troy Happy Birthday from Auntie Sarah and Uncle Josh!!!
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March 27th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Sarge Charlie says:
Have fun with the TT’s, he looks like a happy young man, happy birthday.
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March 27th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Elizabeth in Alaska says:
Aww, happy birthday, Troy! :-)
I am as baffled as you, as William nears his 18 month marker… where has the time gone??
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March 27th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Rebekah says:
I can’t believe it’s been 3 years already! I remember hurrying to get his blanket finished so it would be done in time for the shower. :-)
Enjoy the time, because it does fly by so fast.
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March 27th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Rebekah says:
I guess the above comment should teach me to proofread first! I meant 2, not 3.
Happy 2nd Birthday, Troy!
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March 27th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Mod Girl says:
He is darling!
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March 27th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Hannah says:
Aww that was so sweet. I hope he had an awesome b-day. Luv ya’ll.
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March 27th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Leah says:
Aw, what a sweet, sweet post. =) It truly is amazing how fast life goes by!
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March 27th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
lady jane says:
He’s growing up so fast. I remember when mine was that age and I’d hold her while vacuuming. It seems so long ago now.
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March 27th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Susan says:
Happy Birthday to Troy! And you are catching on earlier than I did – I now have two man-boys, and I still don’t know how it happened. But you know what? I am loving the man that my oldest little boy has become, and I am loving the stage of life of my second boy just as much as I loved all the other stages. I guess there’s just no end to loving our babies! LOL
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March 27th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Mike Golch says:
Sarge Charlie sad to come on over and wish you a happy easter,so I did.
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March 27th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
abrightnewdawn says:
girl, I can’t believe that’s your little man. holy cow. I remember meeting you at the commissary caseload sale with him in your little wrap. He was under 2 months old, remember that?? wow.
ok. moment.
You guys are doing a great job, keep it up!! Happy Birthday to Troy!!
ps…did your friend take his portrait?? does she do professional? let me know.
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March 27th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
mel says:
I’m with Ginger up there…
I’m either laughing or crying here!
What a sweet, sweet post!
Happy Birthday, Troy!
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March 28th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Rebekah says:
Oh, happy birthday to the little man! Give Troy-Boy a hug for me! See you next month!
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March 28th, 2008 at 6:01 am
Steve n Vickie says:
Happy Birthday Troy.
Love,
Steve, Vickie, Charity, Stacie, and Lindsey
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March 28th, 2008 at 8:04 am
dumptrucksandteacups says:
Happy Birthday to your little one!
The days do go fast… That’s why I want to embrace each day for all that it offers!
Blessings to you.
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March 29th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Aunt sheri says:
Ash I am so very proud of you how strong you are, how brave you are and what a wonderful mom you are.
I love you so much and I pray you will have a wonderful blessed birthday!!!!!
All my love Aunt sheri
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March 29th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Christine says:
Oh, that’s such a sweet post, Ash. You’re so blessed. It seems like just a few days ago we were waiting to hear of his birth, and seeing all the pictures John took. Wow!
Happy Birthday, Troy!
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March 30th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Happymama says:
Having my firstborn turning 16 this year, I find myself asking the same question of how did we go from that sweet little sleeping baby boy to the boy on the verge of becoming a man before me. Time does not stand still no matter how much we wish it would, even for a small moment. Savor every minute you are given with them. Treasure it and make as many memories as possible.
~Kristi
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March 30th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
HsKubes says:
Happy Birthday to your precious one.
Time sure does fly. I face that realization every day. It’s so bittersweet. It sure challenges me to cherish every moment. ;o)
By the way, you won our giveaway.
When you’re able, please email me with your info so I can send out your package. ;o)
I am thankful that the Lord allowed us to “meet”. It has been a blessing getting to know you.
Praying for you.
~ Christina
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March 31st, 2008 at 5:10 am
debhmom3 says:
Hey, just found your blog through Christine’s blog and wanted to let you know we have added you to our prayer list and we appreciate the sacrifices your family makes for the rest of us. Thank you!
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March 31st, 2008 at 7:42 am
Mel's Mom says:
Your desires and prayers for your sweet little man are most definitely in the right direction. At least as he grows up (even when you’re not looking) your prayers and love for him will grow also.
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April 1st, 2008 at 9:10 am