Ages and Stages

I was looking through some old pictures of the babies last Spring. I can't believe a year has already passed. My big boy Everett will be turning 3 soon and I could just cry over how time has flown. Each stage of babyhood/childhood comes with its own set of challenges. Now Everett has grown to be more independent, however with that independence comes his will. Every day I feel like I am constantly on him about listening/obedience/sharing etc. It wears me out. However, I often see glimmers of "wow he gets it" or something clicks. His teacher in preschool reported to me a couple of weeks ago how he is so well behaved and obedient. That is one of the best compliments I have ever received! This stage is also very fun. I have "conversations" with Everett now and it is so fun to hear his thoughts. This is him around this time last year..... And my Hampton. He has entered such a fun stage! He is doing so many "big boy" things now like crawling around really fast, cruising furniture, clapping, waving bye-bye, and he already says several words. I remember this time last year feeling so frustrated. Hampton wasn't the easiest newborn and I thought, "well this is it." Now he is such a chubby, content, and very affectionate baby. What a great addition to our family.

There are many, many days I am running on very low energy and I am so tired. Being pregnant is most likely the culprit, but it is also chasing after a 1 and 2 year old. Yesterday I was waiting at the OB office for my 16-wk check-up and I was thinking about this upcoming September when our next babe is due. I hate to admit it, but I almost panicked. Newborns are hard. And I will have 3 kids 3 and under. However, everything is just a season. My goal this time around is to really try to enjoy that stage of life because it passes so quickly. Really, that is my goal for all these stages. I "Google" just about anything and whenever I look up something medical, a website with the header "Relax-we have the answers you need" always pops up. That is what the Lord is always telling me- I have the answers you need. The best comfort I find is in knowing He knows my anxiety. He offers the best help and comfort I could ever find. The best gift I can give my children is to push all worry aside, rest in Him, and truly enjoy them. Children are a blessing from the Lord.