From Baby to Big Boy

It all started way back in 2005 when I pushed, screamed, and attempted to murder my husband as I delivered a healthy and alien-like baby boy. I will never forget the instant feeling of fulfillment and deep love that I had for someone I knew nothing about and the pride I had in calling him my son. It took time but after about 2 months, I began seeing my child morph from alien Nick to squeezable baby Nick and my heart melted at the mere sight of his beautiful eyes or the way he would stare up at me with such devotion. Suddenly, I was seeing traces of happiness in his face when he saw me and I realized I was seeing my baby’s first smile! I took a million pictures and called everyone I knew to tell them I had witnessed the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. From that moment on, I realized how precious every first thing was going to be for my child and for me. I bought every “First” holiday bib and outfit and I made scrapbooks and albums full of everything from “Nick’s First Tooth” to “Nick’s First Haircut”. I raved to all my friends about his first day at daycare and how cute he was. I called his grandma daily to inform her of which foods he tried for the first time and whenhe took his first steps.  Each accomplishment was documented and I was waiting impatiently for the next milestone so we could watch him grow and change.

Fast forward 5 years and I am now the mother of a Kindergarten student who has all his teeth and hundreds of haircuts under his belt.  I had to put my baby Nick onto a bus headed to a giant school where I could no longer hold hishand as he walked through the halls or tell everyone how wonderful he is. Itwas his First Day of School and I cried like a baby. How did we go from his first smile to telling jokes and making friends? His first steps to running ona playground? We’ve all heard the expression that time flies, but I truly believe that time was in hyper drive as my Nick grew up into this handsome young man. It seems like just yesterday I was changing his diapers and playing Peek-a-Boo and I fear that I may have rushed every “First” to get to the “Next”. As I embark on my next journey as a mother, I hope that I can savor the little things and embrace the present time I have with my 5 year old Nick instead of wishing his short life away. I will be so excited for every stage that he goes through but my big boy will always be my baby. Good Luck to all my fellow Mommies who are letting their babies head to school!

Written by: Melinda Leigh Lynch