Droolface will turn a year old this week, which makes me stop and think of all that has changed in that single year.
In my younger days, a year seemed to float on endlessly. It was all about me, and I could change from day to day. I had the freedom to spend my money how I wanted, and I didn't mind blowing a lot of it on a single 'comfort' purchase.
My how things have changed! My husband and I are constantly counting each penny to make sure Droolface has everything he needs. Dad needs new pants - that will have to wait, Droolface needs diapers. Mom wants a new KitchenAid stand mixer - that will have to wait, Droolface needs medication.
In this role as parent, some days are easier than others. While we are often tired in the morning, the excitement of seeing what Droolface will do today always wins out.
He changes so much and learns so much every day. It is just amazing to watch. All of those late nights, middle-of-the-nights and crying really are worth it. At the same time, it is the hardest job you will ever take on.
Some days it is really hard to leave Droolface. Several times in the past week or so, I have shed a few tears because I have to trot off to work and leave the little guy behind. I hope he knows that I would love to be with him all the time, but that parents need to work.
I think every once in awhile we need to stop and write down what we hope for the future. So here are some of my hopes for my future son.
Hopes for the future:
• Know that your parents only left you because they had to work to provide for you.
• Know that we love you more than that KitchenAid stand mixer and that no amount of shiny kitchen appliances would replace you.
• I hope you open doors for others.
• I hope, even on the athletic field, you are the kind of boy who helps others up off the turf.
What is on your hopes for the future list? Are you fulfilling those hopes from previous years? Take a moment to relive some hard days, because that will make the fun, easy days so much better.
Have a great week droolers!
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Real Parents. Real Food. Real Fun.
Welcome to Adventures in Drool! Talking about green living, getting rid of plastics and toxic chemicals in our homes and raising happy kids on a budget. Join the conversation (www.adventuresindrool.com) and don't forget to Like us on Facebook!
Rachel Swick Mavity, author of the blog, lives with a reformed drooler (Droolface), who at age 3 loves to get muddy, drink homemade smoothies, giggle and flirt with old ladies. Her current drooler (Birdy) enjoys spitting up on work clothes and leaving drool trails as a way of showing her love.
Mavity previously worked as a journalist for seven years at newspapers from Pennsylvania to Maryland and Delaware. In Sussex County she worked for several newspapers, including the Cape Gazette. She lives in Lewes with her husband, Ryan Mavity, their son, "Droolface," and daughter, "Birdy."
