“Mommy loves you. Daddy loves you. The kittens love you. We all love you so much. Now it’s time to go to sleep.” I gently pulled the blanket up to my daughter Lily’s chin, tucking the sides around her little legs.
“Good night, my sweet angel,” I whispered, knowing tonight marked her final night in the crib. This was the first “last” moment that truly struck me. Dinner was waiting in the oven, an article sat untouched on my computer, and an unassembled toddler bed awaited upstairs, but I paused.
Standing in the doorway, I took in the sight of her nestled against the cherry wood bars, her thumb in her mouth and her feet pressed against the crib. I wanted to savor this moment, the one that represented her transition from baby to “big girl.” I longed to breathe in the sweet scent of her peach fuzz hair one more time (which, I must say, has transformed into the most delightful, albeit chaotic curls). I wished I could reclaim those fleeting two years that sped by all too quickly.
Now, don’t get me wrong; parenting isn’t always a fairy tale. There are plenty of challenging moments—teething, sleepless nights, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with raising kids. But in that moment, I experienced a rare glimpse of maternal bliss. I yearned to scoop her up, rock her gently, and sing soft lullabies until we both drifted into slumber. Just as I was lost in thought, Lily’s sweet voice broke the silence: “goo’bye!” (She always adds an extra emphasis on the “iiiiii,” just to make it memorable.)
And so, I bid her goodnight and closed the door behind me. In those two years, I’ve been consumed by her “firsts”—her first smile, her first laugh, her first word. Yet, I’m only now starting to recognize the significance of the “lasts.” It’s bittersweet; her growth fills me with pride, but I often find myself wondering when things changed, and I can’t quite pinpoint how.
When was the last time I swaddled her? When did she stop falling asleep on my chest, her tiny mouth still latched on? When did that baby powder scent fade away? I realize I can’t dwell too much on tomorrow without risking the beauty of today. What if, unbeknownst to me, she reached yet another milestone while I was busy scrolling through my phone? (She actually asked me not to color with her yesterday—has that threshold been crossed?)
That thought keeps me anchored in the present. I often get lost in emails, social media, and the chaos of everyday life, making it easy to overlook these precious moments. I may not catch every fleeting “last” moment, but I’m learning to cherish each experience, even if they involve messes and tears.
So tonight, perhaps I’ll let her stay up a little longer or comfort her when she cries instead of insisting she settles down. Because today might just be a “last day,” and I want to embrace every moment as if it were the best.
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Summary
This reflective piece on motherhood highlights the importance of cherishing both the first and last moments in a child’s life. While the journey of parenting is filled with challenges, it also brings fleeting joys that deserve to be savored. As children grow, it’s vital for parents to remain present and embrace these special times, even amidst the chaos.
Keyphrase: “last moments in motherhood”
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