I am messing with the straps of my new backpack-thingy that has officially taken over for the diaper bag and my seconds are numbered. The biggest can undo everyone’s carseats, the littlest can work a minivan door like nobody’s business.
My backpack adjusted, I fish for my camera as the moments to capture blur past. Stick finding, rock throwing, what bird is that? can we go down there? All before I catch their steps.
There is a wooden dock over a pond a ways down the trail. I’m hoping we can make it all the way, sit and eat lunch and then take our time hiking back the way we came. But it’s just me with them and last year it took so long for their short strides to arrive at the water, I thought we would never make it back to the van. Little legs were worn out before we hit our halfway point and I dreamt of a stroller, a wagon, a bike with a huge basket, anything to relieve my balancing them all.
I haven’t finished thinking about the distance and we are there. My backpack thumps at my spine as I rush to get ahead of everyone. I try to point out lily pads but they explain where the frogs are instead and I shhh them so we don’t disturb a pretty bird and they tell me it is probably a robin because its belly is orange.
We walk on further for hiking sticks and wishing dandelions and then turn back, deciding on our new Halfway. There is talk of counting to 100 and preschool field trips and snack day tomorrow and they shoot ahead again. The first one asks for a lift in our final stretch. I call ahead to slow down the race to finish.
They look so much bigger close up.
Linking up with just write and Parenting by Dummies.
You might also like...
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
I'm Jessica, 30-something mom to five, four in my arms and one in my heart.
They just look bigger every single day and it’s kinda bittersweet, yes?
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Memories Captured – May Link Up!
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
They do and how are you keeping up with blogging and commenting with that new baby? You are super mom/blogger!
The baby’s asleep and the toddler is at his grandparents!
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Memories Captured – May Link Up!
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
I am getting just as weepy as we’re approaching A’s last day of preschool as I did about her starting. It’s just crazy how quickly this year went by and how much bigger they grow each day.
angela recently posted..Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight
Seeing them as little ones from afar but catching them at just the right angle to see how grown they really are is bittersweet. I can’t believe how fast time has flown by.
Kimberly recently posted..I Can See It
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
They are so very big and fast and then more big, aren’t they?
Beautiful words, as always, friend.
xo
Galit Breen recently posted..Memories Captured May Linky!
Twitter: galitbreen
That’s what happens when you feed them. They do tend to get bigger.
Add a little nurturing and they grow like weeds!
m.
Mark recently posted..It takes balls to be a good Mother
Twitter: Rsimplelives
Yesterday we went for a walk and I pulled out the wagon…my son said “oh no Momma, I’m a big kid like you. I walk now.” sighhhhhheeeee.
Kimberly recently posted..Chunky’s Smile Says It All
Twitter: momgosomething
My children are literally HUGE now and I can’t even imagine where all the time went. How did it happen?
Your pictures are gorgeous.
It seems that the kids are really enjoying their time in exploring the place.
Courtney recently posted..greensmoke review
My children can’t wait to get back to the farm! LA is too much for one winter!
Karen@HollywoodFarm recently posted..Ruby Sparks Coming This Summer 2012
Twitter: HollywoodFarm
Isn’t it amazing how their increasing abilities give us just those extra SECONDS we need to adjust!?
CJ recently posted..The Day I Met Down Syndrome
I love going on walks with my girls.
There’s nothing better than to learn through nature and to learn through their discoveries in nature.
This was beautifully written, Jessica. Thank you for taking us there with you.
Jessica recently posted..30 Reflections in 30 Years of Mothering
Sigh. Beautiful words my friend. xo
tracy@sellabitmum recently posted..A Lost Cat and a Plaid Shirt Walk Into a Bar..
Twitter: sellabitmum
What a wonderful word picture you painted in this post! I can hear their joy at finding nature’s treasure and their laughter as they run ahead of you.
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..We Get It: Self Centered Children
This takes my breath away.
The picture, the words, the juxtaposition of one year with the next.
One year. And a lifetime.
Don’t blink.
julie gardner recently posted..Then and Now
Mmmm. I love those slow-down moments that automatically happen when we step outside the doors of our homes and our mini-vans.
Jennifer@GDWJ recently posted..What it Means to Have a Platform
Twitter: dukeslee
Beautiful, as always.
christine recently posted..Joys from The Big One and The Little One
Twitter: anditislove
We keep adding kids, so even when the older ones cross the “can-do” line, another one is coming up behind…this must be a very poignant milestone to cross.
Kathleen Basi recently posted..Motherhood Fears
Twitter: kathleenmbasi
So sweet. It’s amazing how big they all are!!!
Jenn recently posted..And That’s That.
Twitter: librajenn
This sounds like my day at the park today. They move so fast I can barely keep up anymore.
Jess recently posted..Mother’s Day and a Fairy
Twitter: mytimeasmom
This is so cool and so heartbreaking. My cousin/BFF has four kids and with every milestone I find myself more proud of them and more amazed by then, yet I can’t wrap my mind around where the time is gone and how quickly they’ve turned in to “people”. And… they AREN’T EVEN MY KIDS!
I can only imagine what it must be like to witness your own offspring turn into intelligent little beings.
Side note, I’ve always been pretty amazed by your strength. I’ve told Hadley’s story to several of my friends removed from the blog world and they’ve all marveled at your ability to move on- and to move on so optimistically. When I miscarried, I was pretty sure my world was over- that it was the worst thing that could have happened to me, and then I was reminded of your story and realized that people have survived far greater losses. I know how bad it hurt to lose my pregnancy, so I feel like I can’t even begin to know what your family went through losing her. Anyway, just wanted to tell you I have a newfound admiration for your resilience. Pretty amazing.
Twitter: jenrambles
I wish I had known about your miscarriage sooner, I wish I could have supported you through it earlier on Jen. My heart just breaks for you. And I’m here if you ever need me. xo
Love these photographs and your captures memories together. What a beautiful post this is. Hope all is well with you, Jessica. XOXO
Twitter: MyPixieBlog
This computer doesn’t like me very much today. Let’s try this one again!
Love these captured memories and your beautiful photographs. Your words always move me, Jessica. Hope this finds you well in body and in mind. Much love!
Charlotte recently posted..About a dress
Twitter: MyPixieBlog
OK I have to admit I seriously love my Ju-Ju-Bee diaper bag. I’m pretty sure once Elijah is potty trained I will keep using the bag. Its the best backpack I ever had.
Corey Feldman recently posted..Third update re: recent downturn with depression and anxiety
Twitter: coreyjf
What a beautiful post! I struggle with them growing up – I want them to because I know the alternative is unthinkable but sometimes I miss the shorter legs and the stroller days. xo
Lanie recently posted..Purple & Sparkly
Great pics! Thanks so much for sharing.
The Mommy Psychologist recently posted..Have You Heard Of Mommy Speed Dating?
So beautiful. This getting bigger thing has me stumped. I can’t believe how fast it happens.
Tricia recently posted..I hope someone told her
Twitter: raisinghumans
Nice photos! I can’t imagine how you captured this while running after this kids! Lol! I don’t know if I can still be able run after those kids..i’m suffering from arthritis this past few days..Though I know this is one of the best bonding times with our kids.
Born27 recently posted..Teleconference Equipment
Wow! Your kids must have enjoyed these beautiful experience in the nature! I really like being outdoor with my little daughter as well. Kids can make their own researches while making small expeditions.
Elise recently posted..Ein Garten-Party in der Mitte der Stadt
Wow – he really does look big there. No strollers is bittersweet. More for mom to carry, less hassle on the stairs.
Lady Jennie recently posted..Senior (Citizen) Hottie
I know, they are getting so old. It is so nice though to have outing be so much more manageable.
Time really does fly by. I just couldn’t understand when my kids grew up and started working.
I’m an old mom now, but your post did take me back some 15 years or so. It was the same story back then as well.
-Sarah
Sarah Martyn recently posted..360hdmi
It’s amazing how they grow, isn’t it? I love seeing it in comparison to something we did before. It’s such a fun yardstick.
Natalie @MamaTrack recently posted..Sensations of Motherhood
I love the pictures, your thoughts, and your words. Lovely.
Julia recently posted..Stop and See
Twitter: juliahembree
I love your post Jessica and i really enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing those lovely words and photos with us. I’m looking forward to read more from you!
Heidi19 recently posted..My Arowana Is Not Eating No Matter What I Do !!!
My husband took Lucas camping this weekend and i swear Lucas is a different bigger (little) boy. It’s crazy how fast they grow up. Crazy and sad.
Tonya recently posted..We Are Enemies
Twitter: letters4lucas
They do look so grown up. What great moments you captured.
Barbara recently posted..Love and acceptance
Twitter: babspinfrance
Oh that last line, it’s SO true! They do look bigger close up, for sure!
We are so blessed to have these moments with them… xo
Elaine A. recently posted..The Family Bed
Twitter: elainea