When your Baby is Now the Oldest

Thinking back 9 years to when my oldest son was born, it brings upon a stream of mixed feelings. As I am sure many moms can relate, you feel happiness for your accomplishments in raising your child, you feel sadness that your baby is growing so fast and you are aging as well, you have fear of growing older as well as fear for your child surviving in this "not so certain" world, and probably some guilt thinking of all those things you wish you had done different. How about the thoughts (most of the time guilty thoughts) of the times when it was just you and your husband and your oldest child. Life was simple right??? This thought may have briefly crossed my mind once or twice, I admit it. It's a thought that doesn't last long because I absoltely adore all three of my children equally. They are the most important part of my life. As time went on, my family grew, my life became more hectic, yet happier. I became more sleep deprived and cared less every day about my appearence. When I was working outside the home, it was all about getting out the door and to work on time, never mind the mascara and perfume. These things were no longer important and most mornings didn't cross my mind to put on my mental to do list before leaving. Then came the second child, a beautiful daughter. The honeymoon was short lived and the sibling rivalry didn't take long to kick in but the two oldest DO love one another weather they admit it or not, lol! Having to work everyday with two children becomes super exciting! One more little body to bathe, dress, feed and tickle! Worth the extra work and effort??? Every last minute of it. I had my boy and my girl thinking for two years we were fulfilled. The plan for a third child just wasn't there.....or was it? There is a difference between un-planned and un-prevented pregnancy if you know what I mean?!?! My third child was born another beautiful boy, another 20 lbs packed on (oh well) my life was complete. I was home now....getting three ready before work????? No thank you! Not now anyway. Nine years have passed and the thoughts and memories are overwhelming. Where did time go? My baby is now in 4th grade and I am thinking ahead to putting my 4 year old on the bus to kindergarten next fall. A year has already come and gone for my youngest. Now it's time to slow down and enjoy them!