I was driving home from the mall the other day and Darius Rucker's "It Won't Be Like This For Long" came on the radio and I instantly started bawling. Like we're talking make-up running, nose-stuffing, ugly-face making, bawling. Even better? I have to drive through a security gate to get on post and thank God for the sunglasses covering my eyes or I may have been questioned on my sanity.
But really, it just got me thinking. It got me thinking about Bubba and how he's going to be TWO in a few months. Like what?! When did that happen? I can remember holding him in my arms at the hospital and wondering how I got so lucky to call this perfect little baby mine. I remember the first few nights; watching Netflix during the hour long nursing sessions, only to wake up two hours later and start all over again.
I remember gently trying to lay him down in his crib, only to wake him up and have to start all over again. I remember the sleep deprivation and wondering when he would start sleeping through the night. I remember first changing his diapers and fearing that I wasn't doing it right. I remember his first smile, his first coo, his first Love You, and so much more.
People think I'm crazy because he's still co-sleeping with us and my response? "One day he's going to wake up and want nothing to do with me so for now, I'm okay with it." Sometimes he wants no one but his mommy and 1/10 times I'm annoyed and wish someone else could put him to sleep or do whatever he needs done. But 9/10 times, I smile and do exactly what he asks.
Everyone parents differently but the way I look at it, I know this isn't going to last forever. I know his hugs, kisses, neediness, incessant mommy calls and attachment issues will disappear and I'll be left with a little man, a teenager, then an adult. He's SUCH a happy baby and I am in no way worried that he won't be able to function without me or have independence issues. He's so smart, independent, sweet, and polite and I don't think I could be raising a better son.
I've learned to pick my battles; I won't fight him over a piece of chocolate if that's what he really wants and once I give it to him, he's happy. He goes in time-out, he has repercussions, and he certainly knows right from wrong. However, I seem to parent with a more relaxed approach then I ever thought possible or more relaxed than I thought I would be at all!
But that's what this crazy journey is all about. It's about finding out what works for YOU and what works for YOUR child. No two children are the same, just as no two parents are the same. People may tell you what they did and what worked for them but just because they did that or a parenting book tells you to do something, doesn't mean it's the best thing for you and your child.
Parenting is trial and error; take advantage of the small things and appreciate the precious moments. No one's perfect and no one can tell you how to parent except for you. Do what you feel in your heart is right and the best thing for your child. Before you know, you'll be packing the car to take them to college or walking them down the aisle. When you have hard days, remember what the wise Darius Rucker has to say about that...
"It Won't Be Like This For Long"...