Fleeting

Jonas loves bath night and not so much because of the splishing and splashing of the water, but mainly for what happens while the tub fills: naked time. The other night was no exception. For thirty or so minutes, the sound of a giggling toddler filled our house as he ran around in all his glory. He sped through the place as if relieved to have finally shed the cumbersome clothes that had restrained him all day. For whatever reason, removing his garments seems to invigorate him and fill him with an immeasurable excitement. Matt and I sat in the living room, watching him prance around with no care in the world and suddenly I couldn’t help but think that at some point, moments like these will no longer happen.

While eating in a restaurant the other day, these elderly women in the booth behind us began cooing over the two kids. When they went to leave, they stopped and said, “These are the years. Enjoy them while you can because before you know it, you’ll be old like us.” We hear that same thing so often, but when caught in the mundane world of childcare, I find myself wishing for the school age years…or beyond…a time free of diapers and tantrums and nap time schedules. But for a moment the other night, as that naked little toosh fluttered around the house, I realized that these moments won’t last forever. Soon modesty will set in and then embarrassment and even inappropriateness. So for now, I will do my best to drink in those high moments, knowing they will soon pass. Now as for those tantrums, kindergarten can’t come soon enough.