The Dappled Willow

Do you remember how slowly time used to tick by? 

As a kid, at the beginning of the school year I always thought summer would NEVER come again. These days it seems like time simply won’t slow down! (Are we sure August happened?!)

My oldest, Henry, starts junior kindergarten today and I’m feeling ALL THE FEELS!

I can’t believe he’s so big already. The past few years have flown by and I know they’ll just continue to.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily grind. Going through the motions but not truly being in the moment. 

I’m guilty of skipping pages of the bedtime story just so I can speed through the prayers and rush the goodnight hugs and kisses. All just so I can get to the part of the day when I finally have a moment of peace to myself.

But today I’m reminded that one day my little ones won’t be here anymore. They won’t need their mommy like they do now. They’ll be off on their own adventures without me and I know I’ll wish for these moments back. 

One more game. One more tickle.
One more joke. One more giggle.
One more fort. One more walk.
One more bath. One more talk. 
One more story and tuck in tight.
One more cuddle and kiss goodnight.

Henry starting school is a reminder that I only have so much time with him, (*cue the waterworks*) and I need to be more intentional with that time.

On the daily, I’ll strive to be more present and in the moment with my children and give them my undivided attention. I’ll try to engage them in meaningful conversation and truly listen to their answers. And I’ll endeavor to celebrate milestones, big and small!

Because today he’s off to junior kindergarten, but tomorrow it could be somewhere far away. It’s my job to make our time together count!

Do you have a special way of celebrating milestones like the first day of school?