Big Kid Milestones are Special Too; Make Sure You Don’t Miss Them

It is no secret that babies are my absolute favorite; I could have armfuls of six-month-olds snuggled up any day of the week. So you can essentially find me over here with the world’s smallest violin lamenting over the fact that my “last” baby is starting to have his “firsts.” He has his first two teeth, is rolling over, sitting up, “talking” all the time, and let’s not forget about the smiling. The smile that absolutely melts my heart; there is something so special and exciting about seeing and hearing that tiny human smile and laugh at something you do.

Trading Strollers For Bikes

I recently traded my double jogging stroller with another momma for a single jogging stroller. There were possibly tears shed; I have officially traded strollers for bikes. I am now literally running after the five and six year olds on their bikes. It is so cool to see these kids that were once riding tricycles now riding bikes with no training wheels. My babies are growing up before my eyes and there is absolutely nothing I can do to slow down time. I do have to be careful though; my babies may be growing up, but the experiences and “firsts” are far from over.

Big Kid Firsts Are Special Too

When big kids experience a “first,” they actually experience it with you and they remember it. Now that is some kind of special … These big kids are getting their first permanent teeth, so that means they get to experience the tooth fairy. What could possibly be more exciting and magical than a fairy that leaves you money while you are sleeping? Maybe learning to ride a bike without training wheels … Or getting to take a bath by themselves. When they start reading really good, doing math equations, and solving word problems, it will solidify that you officially have a big kid on your hands. 

As if we don’t hear it enough, I am going to tell you again; soak up every memory you can. The good and bad.  The “firsts” and “lasts.” Soak. It. Up. Because when they are grown up this is all we will have. I need to remind myself of this every second of every day to make sure I do not focus on one kid at one age or phase. Enjoy all of the crazy firsts and lasts, all together!

Lauren James
Lauren is a native New Orleanian that was transplanted to Lafayette in 2008 by her husband of 11 years, Daniel. She has a B.S.N. from Louisiana State University – School of Nursing and a M.S.N. from the University of South Alabama. Her “paying gig” is as a Nurse Practitioner with a focus in Quality/Infection Prevention at a local hospital. Her other full-time gig is as keeper of her home and mom to William 7, Mary Kathryn 6, and Benjamine 2. Most of her days at home are spent picking up toys and socks off the floor so the family Bernese Mountain Dog, Tipper, does not demolish them. When she has a spare moment, she enjoys reading crime novels, playing board game with her kids, cooking and baking foods that are not on her diet, and finding any reason to celebrate by drinking her beloved champagne. To burn off a few calories and any leftover energy, the family enjoys walking or riding bikes on the shaded boulevard on which they live. Lauren has fallen in love with the people and city of Lafayette and is very proud to raise her family here and to now call it home.