Look who's growing up... it happened last night.  And so quickly that I couldn't do anything but write Twitter about it here.  And it's been on my mind ever since....  We were doing our usual before-bedtime routines - heading upstairs for bath, brush teeth, books, bedtime prayers and bed.  One of the Tigers, casually asked, "Mommy, will you carry me up the stairs?"  I almost took a double take, and I did, to see a sweet boy "flying" a jet through the air.  He is seven years old.  He is in the first grade.  And I did!

A lot of things went through my mind.  The first thing I said or did was reply as I walked over to the stairs, "Of course, Mama will carry you up the stairs."  "If I can carry you up the stairs...let's see if you grew too much last night."  It was slow.  It was steady but we made it.  All the while,  I had to wonder, is this the last time. 

Then, not only was that a monumental moment, I began thinking of all of the last things we do as they grow up.  How, we don't know and then one day they just walk up the stairs every time.  I'll admit I was one happy Mama when I tossed two pacifiers into the garbage can explaining to the Tigers that they got a certain toy in replacement.   I was thrilled that strategy worked.  Yet, when do we put them into their cribs for the last time?  When do we carry them upstairs for the last time?  Or when do we give them their last bottle or in my (and others') case last nursing before someone discovered their front teeth nursing.  Last diaper, last hand while steadying steps for walking....

We were in a small college town when the Cherubs/Tigers were born and until they were 3 and 1/2, I used to maneuver the lovely double stroller all over town.  Typically, it was not a fun.  Frankly, I thought they would go to college me pushing them in the side-by-side stroller as we viewed the world around us.  Then we "went through" three strollers.  You'd be surprised at the brandname strollers that didn't survive the Tigers and me.  Then one day, I was strollerless.  And I didn't replace it. 

 I know we're all laughing and primarily this list sounds like mighty milestones that we treasure crossing.  Yet, this is how they grow up.  This is how it happens in the blink of an eye.  My mother used to say she wanted to put a brick on my head so I wouldn't get any taller.  I understand that sentiment right now.  I've shared it with the Tigers.  They laugh as heartyly as I did with my mother.  Except now I'm the one who means it. 

 Secretly, I held onto a single stroller for peace of mind.  For that occasion when the Twins weren't in sync or when I wasn't ready for the 50-mad-dash.  Days turned into weeks and I didn't need it.  In my mind, I wasn't ready to admit the Tigers were growing up.

The upside is the with each stage surpassed, there awaits another wonderful season.  My goal is to cherish each.  What about you?  Do you " hold on" to certain things?  Or, are their milestones you have passed with your little one that you didn't even realize as it happened? 

Warmly,

CarolinaMama