It’s the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It’s cold outside. I’m home alone, resting, looking back, feeling nostalgic.
I started looking through old photos, seeing my three sweet kids when they were little. When they were home. And that got me thinking about my two little grandchildren. The happy little souls who spend every week day here with me. And I was reminded of all the little joys that come with caring for children.
There are so many tiny moments every day that make me smile. Things I thought I would never experience again. Little things that I thought were lost to me once my own kids grew up.
But they weren’t lost at all! And I get to do them again now, treasuring every moment. Here’s a list of some of those little daily gifts.
- Brushing and braiding hair. Ellie’s hair is a miracle of shiny curls. I’m obsessed with it. I get to brush it at least once a day, then I ask her what style she wants and we chat about clips and hair ties. I love those five minutes every day!
- Bath time. I don’t get to do this every day, but when we get muddy, or we fingerpaint, or someone is learning to eat bananas on his own, I fill that tub with warm water and bubbles. And I get to hold warm, clean, wiggly little bodies wrapped in soft towels. I get to kiss the water off of little noses. Back breaking, for sure, but still something I am so grateful to still enjoy!
- Watching babies and toddlers eat. Maybe it’s the Italian in me, but there are few things that give me a warmer feeling than watching babies eat. This is especially true, of course, if I’ve cooked whatever it is! I never thought I’d have the pleasure of serving up nice warm, buttery pasta to a little one again!
- Holding a sleeping baby. If you’ve ever done it, you know why I missed it so much after my babies grew up. The soft, even breathing, the warmth of the skin against my cheek, the scent of baby hair. When I hold my grandchildren as they sleep, the years disappear. The world disappears.
- Those “I love you” moments. What can I say? My heart….A smile, a hug, a little hand on each of my cheeks. A little head resting on my arm. “Oh, my Nonni. I love you so much!”
What a lucky do-over!
Empty Nest, Full Life 
Beautiful posts… I agree to everything you have said, every word every emotion. I can’t have kids but I have a tiny tot niece and she is all that I can think about. Even 1 hour with her is enough to drive away all sadness..
I am glad you are enjoying your life with your kids
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And I’m so happy that you have a tiny tot in your life! They make us see the world is a new way every hour of every day!
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I agree totally…
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Moments to treasure for sure…Molly stayed over an extra day with us this Thanksgiving weekend and we did special things — baking, decorating, thrift shop sleuthing–she paid me the biggest compliment when she told me she’s a lot like me and I’m the best grandma ever 💕💕💕
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That’s so wonderful!!!! A memory to keep near your heart, for sure!! Love to all of you!
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So wonderful. Made me remember holding my niece and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews..Nothing like that yeasty smell in the fold of a little neck. I get some of that feeling with the kittens..Just nice to have that warm, loving, innocent contact. Loved your piece.
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I truly think that one of the joys of getting older is having the time and wisdom to notice and treasure little moments that happen every day!
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I agree.
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Beautiful memories !
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Very sweet 🙂 And your grandkids are cute!
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They really are…..! They look just like their parents!
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Life really is a wonderful circle for most. I hope my life comes to this point one day. Great photos.
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I hope so, too, Tric!
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Oh how lucky you are. Even though our children live fairly close, it is not close enough to see them every week.
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Still, having the chance to cuddle them, to see them, it all makes everything OK! I am so lucky; I think that every single day!
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