I Want to Do It!

I remember the days when my son would be so reliant on me.  He would ask me to make him lunch.  He would ask me to put a movie on for him.  I would have to get him glasses of water or milk.  I would have to do everything for him.  I know I've still got another little one who will be relying on me for all those things, but my older son has since moved on, and I can't even tell you when it happened.

Every time I look at him, I'm reminded of how much he's grown up.  He's gone from being my baby boy to being an independent kind of kid.  At three years old he can get himself a drink, make his own toast and sandwiches, get his own cereal with milk (with only a little mess), get himself dressed and undressed, and put on his own movies in the DVD player.  I have to wonder sometimes what he needs me for!  He's more than capable of doing just about everything on his own.  Of course, he's kind of lagging on the potty training, but with all the changes over the past year, it's not surprising with all the changes going on.  I'm sure he won't be in diapers for ever!

It's amazing, when you think about it, how fast they all grow up.  I remember when my oldest son had so many problems with speaking clearly.  I couldn't understand what he was getting at most of the time and just kind of guessed.  Sometimes I still do that when he's tired or not feeling well, but these days most of what he says is understandable.  In a way, I'm glad that he can communicate to me so clearly, but at the same time, I kind of miss the days when he was little and so dependent.  I miss the baby days.

Looking at my youngest, I can see those days in his future too.  It won't always be these moments of wanting to cuddle and love on his mommy.  He's going to grow up and become Mr. Independent too.  It's not going to be long before I turn around and wonder just when they all got to be so capable.

All around me I see these families with really advanced kids, kids who can read by the time they're two, or kids who use SAT words from toddlerhood.  I'll admit, a part of me wishes my kids had been that advanced.  That little competitive side of me wishes I had the kid of kids who would have been speaking in complete scentences at two.  I do sometimes wish that they had known all their colors, numbers, and everything else by then.  Then again, a part of me is really relieved.  I can't imagine how fast childhood would rush by if my kids did develop such a strong sense of adulthood at such a young age.  Yes, I want my kids to grow up to be successful, but they're only kids once.  Childhood goes too fast while it's here, so why would I want to rush it along anymore?

For now, I'm going to enjoy these days while I have them, even if they are filled with a three-year-old demanding he can do everything on his own.  I'll jump in and help when he accepts it, but my time with my son will have to be filled with other things.  I guess I should be greatful.  I don't have to worry about the work of taking care of him.  Instead, I can focus on the fun we can have together.  Now I just need to find a way of getting used to him wanting to do everything I used to be able to do for him.