We talk a lot about our children’s firsts. First smile, first steps, first words. I remember James’s firsts really vividly, we were almost hanging on and waiting for him to hit each milestone and we celebrated excitedly. Just 16 months later our little Lily arrived. This time we knew what to expect, and in our sleep deprived state we weren’t in the same rush we were for James and we celebrated them as they arrived.
Two more children later we celebrate those milestones with the same amount of enthusiasm and love, but It does feel like somehow they get a little lost in the chaos that is having four young children.
Then came something I didn’t expect from motherhood, the ‘lasts’.
I cant remember the last time Ava fell asleep on me, or the last time carried a sleeping Lily in from the car. I can’t remember the last time James wanted to listen to a bedtime story. The tiny moments that pass you by, because you don’t realise at the time they are the ‘lasts’.
Last week my youngest and last baby turned three years old. Not such a baby anymore, more of a pre-schooler that’s ready to start nursery in September. It’s such a bittersweet feeling, knowing my last baby is almost ready to begin her school journey without her mummy by her side. I think shes definitely closer to being ready than me!
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
These photos were taken on Ava’s birthday as we explored Yorkshire Wildlife Park on one of the hottest days of the year!
A Year Apart
We visited for Avas second birthday too, so these photos are taken exactly a year apart!
Seeing the difference a year makes is scary! This year we visited on a bank holiday, and it was so busy we only had a few seconds to take this photo with my favourite giraffe, but I am so glad we did. They are all arms and legs this year. I have a feeling they are going to be tall like their Dad; Ava at just three is taller than some four-year-olds. I am only 5ft 3in myself, so I have a feeling it won’t be long before I am looking up at them, instead of down.
Look at how much your little team have grown! I love traditions like this – where you can see the change so easily. I remember acknowledging a few ‘lasts’ – the last time I breastfed, the last time the children napped… but we tend to not realise those things are the last time until weeks or months later when they haven’t happened again. Bittersweet indeed x
I wish we could savour those moments for just a bit longer, I can’t remember the last time Ava fell asleep on me. She’s fallen asleep on Simon today and I’m wondering if that’s maybe a last too…