Nobody tells you when you grow up, you’ll want to be just like your kids

My daughter is so dynamic.
So joyful.
So lovely.
She feels so intensely.
She cares so deeply.
She loves fully.
I watch her play and I wonder when I grew up. When did I stop running in the leaves or spinning in circles to feel the wind on my face? When did I decide socks had to match and outfits had accessories?

People sometimes ask my children what they want to be when they grow up. They have answers, “A mommy! A train! A tree!” They’ll make those decisions later.
Much later.
And then, one day, even as they hold a job they adore and work with people they like, they’ll watch their own children and finally realize:
When I grow up, I want to be just like you.
Oct, 05, 2009 Filed in: Family Life • Read the Archives
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Adventures In Babywearing wrote on 10/05/2009
Oh gosh I have felt like this SO much lately. Today I almost made my kids stay home from school because I didn’t want to let go.
Steph
Mrs. Flinger wrote on 10/05/2009
Ohmygosh, I did the same thing today! I almost kept my son home so I could play with him.
Ewokmama wrote on 10/05/2009
SO TRUE!!! I am jealous of my kid.
Amanda wrote on 10/05/2009
I think the deal is that there is more of them in us then we know. The leaves are right there, so are the baubles and laughter. Wear them and rejoice, now, while the kids are still here. It’s those moments that they’ll remember!
xo
Susan wrote on 10/05/2009
You are so spot on! I am in awe of my daughter all. the. time. Kinda freaky.
Amber wrote on 10/05/2009
Such a great post!! And i just love your photography. Great color and composition!!!
Bridget wrote on 10/05/2009
I know it’s cliched to say “great post”, but oh well: Great post! Really.
I’ve been lurking for a while…your writing is really moving.
~*Michelle*~ wrote on 10/06/2009
This was EXACTLY what I needed to read today…..I love it.
Chantal wrote on 10/06/2009
I do love watching my boys play. And I do envy them
Great photos of your girl!
sister flinger wrote on 10/06/2009
Aw babe. I love this post. I might even print it out and hang it up so whenever i’m goin crazy, i can read it and remember. I think this alone will keep me a little more patient with my children. THANKS!!
Frelle wrote on 10/06/2009
I love this post
It is my youngest daughter’s 4th birthday today, and watching her face playing in the shower of bubbles during her birthday party was a sweet, sweet feeling. Such unadulterated glee. I did get pictures
I love this one of your daughter!
Liz@thisfullhouse wrote on 10/08/2009
Yeah, I’ve been growing up with my kids for years now
npenn wrote on 10/08/2009
I am having such a hard time typing with all the tears pouring down my cheeks… I had a “growing up” conversation with my daughter while walking her to kindergarten this morning. This post has really gotten to me. Sniff sniff, please pass the Kleenex.
Al_Pal wrote on 10/09/2009
Awwww, so darling!!!! Gorgeous photos.
Play!