Milestones...

In the beginning of our childrens' lives, there are milestones galore. Smiling, cooing, sitting, walking, talking, etc....

For those first few years, they come in rapid succession. It always seemed like there was a new one to celebrate each week.

Some of those milestones were warm and welcomed. Like, that first true smile. The simple turning up of the corners of their little mouths, meant that there was indeed a little person in that tiny little bundle. An individual.

Some were bittersweet. Like, nursing them for the last time. I remember the last time I nursed each of my children. I remember looking into their faces, and holding their hand, while they were cradled close to me. They were content, and so was I. I remember telling myself to memorize every bit of that moment. And I did.

As my children have grown, the milestones are fewer and farther between. Riding a bike. Losing that first tooth. Starting school. There are months between these milestones...even years. These milestones mark large strides toward independence. And while I sometimes think that it would be nice if my children would stay this age forever...I look forward to their autonomy. After all, it is the ultimate goal of parenthood.

The past week, a major milestone was reached in our house. One that might go unnoticed by some, but, one I choose to celebrate. A fairly major, pivotal milestone, if you ask me.

For the first time in the history of my childrens' lives, and mine as a mother, I didn't have to clean vomit out of comforters, sheets, carpet, clothes, body parts, bathroom floors, or their hair, as a stomach virus made its' rounds among them.

Avery, the over-achiever that he is, even puked in a bucket, dumped it in the toilet, washed the bucket, washed his hands...THEN woke me up and told me he puked!

Damn, they make me proud!