Dahms Family: You're Gonna Miss This

As I reflected on this past year, watching home videos, looking through our collection of 2014 photos, I was reminded how much our family has grown and how truly, amazingly blessed I am to call myself Joe's wife and Ryan and Kate's mom. While I do try my best to live in the moment and maintain perspective under difficult circumstances, it is so easy to get wrapped up in the daily "To Do" lists and constant rushing to be somewhere. In the midst of running around, watching meltdowns, trying to stay afloat...it's difficult to see that this will all pass too quickly. The frustrations of parenting a 6 and 4 year old will soon be memories of times we will greatly miss. I can see it as scroll through memories of 2014- what remains in a year of daily highs and lows of parenting are only the smiles, laughter and heart-filling joy of family.

In an attempt to slow down my life and maintain perspective, I’ve reflected on all the current challenges and frustrations Joe and I share as parents and created a list inspired by a similarly titled parenting article I recently read.

“I’ll Miss”

…being asked to read the same book every night-“Can you read Tallulah again?”

…eating like a chipmunk- crumbs everywhere

…wanting to change clothes or shoes because she is wearing a dress or flip flops

…”I’m sorry about that.”

…”Can someone come with me? I’m too scared.”

…two fingers in her mouth

…waking up early to see a little face staring at me

…”Daddy (Mommy) look” as she moves our heads with her hands

…saying “Don’t smile!” when they are grumpy and watching them try to hold back their smiles

…”Mom, mom, mom” “Yes?” “…I love you”

…”I just wanted to give you another hug”, after being put to bed

…”That’s okay” when told she lost privileges

…”push me on the swing again”- over and over and over

This Fall marked a new chapter in my life as a mom- Ryan started Kindergarten and Kate started preschool. I anticipated having to leave work earlier than years past to make my way to pick them up. To my surprise, both kids asked me to stay at work longer so they could both play longer with their friends. This was a monumental moment for me as a mom- simultaneously I felt like grieving for days past when they needed me so, rushing to get them as they greeted me with open arms…yet, at the same time, I felt immense pride and gratitude. Joe and I have raised two independent, friendly, and compassionate children that we have the privilege of guiding and supporting, watching them grown into their own.

I have now come to the realization that I am no longer a mom with “little ones”- while my sentimental self is sadden that days with a baby on my hip, rocking a little one to bed and pushing a jogger stroller are in the past, I have found some benefits to parenting school agers…

I travel light- no more diaper bags filled to the top for a 1 hour excursion

I sleep until my alarm goes off- the kids start their morning routine independently

I get myself ready for the day- while my kids get themselves ready (mostly)

I don’t buy diapers- (those I do not miss)

Our weekend schedule is not ruled by nap schedules- spontaneity is freeing

Timeouts are very rare- routines established, kids are better able to communicate their frustrations

I can say “Get your coats, hats, boots and gloves on.” and they do.

I look forward to continuing to watch my children flourish, being there to support them when fall, encouraging them to stand back up and loving them unconditionally. Cheers to a New Year- 2015- to being fully present in life because I know one day “[I’m] Gonna Miss This”

Highlights from 2014