Friday, November 7, 2008

It's because he's the youngest isn't it?


Well today's blog is dedicated to my youngest child, Matthew. I love him to pieces, just as I do all of my kids. But I have found myself noticing his achievements more than I did with the other kids (with the possible exception of Rose, since she's the oldest and gets to do most everything first). He learned to ride a trike all by himself last summer. I watched him riding for the first time and was happy, proud and sad at the same time. Happy because he was just so excited and proud of himself but sad because he's the last one to learn this. There will be no more children behind him to teach this to. Trust me - as much as I love kids, 4 is quite enough!

It's fun to watch Matt's personality emerging. He is a very affectionate boy who likes to give hugs and kisses. He is quick to apologize when he's done something wrong ("I saw-wee mommy!") and loves to sit on my lap and read a book together. I love spending time with him, but he seems to be clingier at this age than the other kids were. Perhaps it's because he's the youngest. He gets lots of time with me while the older 3 are at school. So when I do try to leave him, he is often sad and stands there with tears streaming down his face, waving sadly at me and saying "bye mommy. I lub you." It just breaks my heart. But not enough to stay home.

This week he has been up at 4:30 every morning. I blame the time change. All the people who think you get an extra hour of sleep obviously don't have preschoolers! So I get up with him, change his diaper and we snuggle on the couch with a blanket. He falls asleep eventually and by the time he is snoozing, I am too tired to go back upstairs to my own bed. So we stay on the couch and I try to sleep. I think the reason he gets away with this (rather than me putting him in his room, shutting the door and letting him cry) is that he's the youngest. It won't be long until he's big enough not to want to snuggle with his mom anymore. My oldest 2 have hit that stage. I know it's inevitable that kids grow up, but part of me is sad too. So that's why Matthew gest away with more than he otherwise might. I will eventually get sleep on a more regular basis, but Matthew won't always be little and want to snuggle on the couch and fall asleep with me. So I'm gonna enjoy it while I can!!

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