Tuesday, August 4, 2009

When We Wake Up

(C) Copyright Amanda Stratton, 2009 - Waterloo Children Photographer

Tonight was the last time in my life that I'll ever cuddle with a two year old curly-haired blue-eyed little girl of my own. Tomorrow is Marissa's birthday, and she'll be turning three. I can't believe how quickly time is going by. I know it's such a cliche to say it, but they do grow up fast.

(C) Copyright Amanda Stratton, 2009 - Waterloo Children Photographer

I don't know what it is about Marissa turning three, but it seems so significant. Strangely more significant than Bria turning five. I think maybe it's that now Rissa is undeniably out of the baby stage. You can get away with calling a two-year-old a baby, but a three year old? Definitely not. A three year old is a pre-schooler. She's not even a toddler anymore, I don't think. She hasn't toddled for a long time, anyway.

(C) Copyright Amanda Stratton, 2009 - Waterloo Children Photographer

So, tomorrow will be a kind of bitter-sweet day for me. I love my kids' birthdays, but this is one of the ones that will be tough for me as a mommy, which is odd because I don't even want to have another baby. The baby stage was really never my favourite thing. I guess what's bitter about it is the little voice in my head telling me I better wake up and smell the roses or soon the roses will be gone off to college and I'll have missed my chance. Things get so busy, and I feel like I haven't taken every advantage to really appreciate and cherish my time with my kids. I seem to always be sitting at my computer working, or running out the door... and now Marissa is three and I'm wondering where I was when she was two.

(C) Copyright Amanda Stratton, 2009 - Waterloo Children Photographer

When the girls went to bed, just so I could hear her say it one last time, I asked Marissa, "How old are you?"
"Twooooo! And when will I be three?"
"When you wake up, Baby. You'll be three when you wake up."

(C) Copyright Amanda Stratton, 2009 - Waterloo Children Photographer

And I better wake up, too, or I'm going to miss it.

(C) Copyright Amanda Stratton, 2009 - Waterloo Children Photographer

12 comments:

Amanda Jane said...

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww.. I am so sad that she is three!.. waaaaa! don't grow up!

But my goodness what a gorgeous,adorable little sweetie she is!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh Amanda, you made me cry. I am going through the same thing ith my baby girl the end of August. I am going to miss little Maddie so much. This really touched my heart.

Jennifer said...

She is beautiful! Happy birthday sweet girl!

Tracey said...

What a gorgeous girl she is! Beautiful pictures and words Manda! I know what you are saying, I can't believe her and Maya are going to be 3. Our babies are not babies anymore (as Maya never misses an opportunity to tell me). A very happy birthday to Rissa Roo from us!!

Tami said...

I would love to type more but there are too many tears....

Heather @ Raising Memories Blog said...

Oh Amanda, I'm crying! And I am SO with you on this! My Trina-baby is growing up way way way too fast, and Talia is a little girl. Gah, I can't say more cuz I'll cry more! lol You worded this well, I'm sure many many mothers can relate completely.

Kristin said...

What a sweet post!

I love the photos - she's so gorgeous!

Luke said...

Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing this with us. Happy birthday!

Dodie said...

An absolutely beautiful post!! Though it is indeed hard at times, to watch our babies take the steps toward becoming the independent, amazing adults that all Mommies know their children will be, a tiny part of us will forever hold onto that baby they once were.

Happy birthday, Toots!! I love you bunches and buckets full!

Lisab said...

Love the title, post and the pictures. She looks like YOU!

Happy Birthday to a special girl!

Anonymous said...

Wow, great post, Amanda. Probably my favourite! They will always be your babies.... and they are BEAUTIFUL!!
Happy Belated Birthday to Marissa!
Miss

Kate's Life said...

Your words sound as though they come from my own heart! My lil guy turned 3 in May, and it has been really hard for me!!! Thank you for your post- it is nice to know I am not the only sentimental mommy out there!