They say to enjoy every minute of the little years, because they're gone in the blink of an eye. They say the days are long, but the years are short. They say I'll miss this when it's gone.
And they're right. And they're wrong. There is a lot about the little years that I do enjoy, I do love, I will miss when it's gone. Heck, I'm already missing the pre-school adventures I used to have with my two older boys, and recognizing that there will be less, and less, and less time to be with them exploring our world. I got to really enjoy Lem's babyhood, partly because I fully believed it was my last chance for it, and so I savored him. Turns out I get to savor it all over again, and this time in a brand-new way with my daughter (what a gift she is!). I really am thankful for the gifts in these little years.
But on the "regular" days, the ho-hum, chores-at-home kind of days (which there are more of than adventure days)...it is hard. I think to myself, ok--all you need to get done today is clearing off that desk surface, and some laundry. And days and days--and days--later, it is still not accomplished. It's positively maddening.
And so, despite not even working outside the home, despite a husband who does more than his fair share of housework and kidwork along with his paycheckwork, despite my savoring and enjoying the little years as much as I can--there are things that I wish were different. Usually, they are surfaces! (Ha.)
And then there's this kid, who is almost ALWAYS at the edge (or way beyond) whatever boundary he's given. So there's that.
The struggle of the little years is indeed real. But hey! The laundry will still be there tomorrow. They are 100% right about that.
