Monday, December 14, 2009

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!

8 comments:

Kimmy said...

WOW! That's pretty doggone good!! Mine kept waking me up every 15 minutes to stand in the bathroom to console her. No puke cleaning though....thank goodness!

Kameron said...

I am so far from that point, but until then I will enjoy all of the milestones that I get to experience! Oh, and the last time I nursed Nate, he bit me, hard. I won't soon forget that either!

Unknown said...

I knew you were going somewhere with this...you ALWAYS make me laugh! What an awesome milestone and one I look forward to too!

Jes said...

I've got one in my house that will do that, my middle child, not sure why my oldest always insists his tummy feels better 3 seconds before he pukes all over the floor! Congrats on your milestone!!!!

Bridget said...

Sorry you all had a stomach virus, but glad for your milestone!! My child is 12 and I still have to clean up after him...UGH! At least he helps though!

momma23 said...

Could Avery teach my husband how to do that? :)

Katie said...

Now, that is the mark of an excellent parent! Please, share how you've done it. And please don't tell me its going to take eight more years, I'm not sure I can take that!!!

What a WONDERFUL star to add to your magnificant parenting crown!! Puking can go right next to the porn convo!! :)

Absolulty freakin' love reading your blog. ALWAYS!!

heidi said...

Oh hot DAMN! Isn't that the best?!?! I love that my girls can make it to the toilet on their own now. It's a beautiful thing.