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I have been indulging in extra time with my son lately, savoring these last few days of him as my only child.
It has been over five and a half years of only Jackson. Susan’s daughter Julia has helped to force Jackson to share the world a bit – but only part time. For the rest of the day, Jackson has remained the main feature in this house.
And so while I spend countless hours this busy September doing the “kindergarten pick-up/drop-off” routine and shuttling Jackson to all his other classes and programs, I am trying to consciously treasure this time with him. I don’t have to worry yet about a crying baby, desperately pleading with me to pull over and nurse her. I don’t have to tell Jackson to be quiet the baby is sleeping. I don’t have to split my time between two. No – right now, for a couple more weeks, Jackson can still be the center of my world.
Tonight, Jackson took full advantage. Somehow sensing that Mommy was not in a hurry to finish stories and end our bedtime chat, he manipulated his weary mom into a marathon conversation that included theology from the perspective of a very imaginative five year old boy. (I wish I had had a tape recorder, because there is no way I could remember and capture all he said. But it was quite entertaining!)
I know we will both be tired tomorrow. I know I should never let him stay up so late. But as my clever little monkey talked, I just kept remembering this tiny baby I brought home from the hospital. I remembered nursing him and praying over him, wondering who he would become and if I would be there to witness it.
I am so excited to meet our little girl. Jackson is too – the other night he leaned over my belly and commanded his little sister, “Break out tonight!” (I think he figures if she kicks enough, she could break out like a chick bursting through her shell.)
But, for these last few days, I am enjoying my time with Jackson, memorizing what it is like to be a mom to just him.
traci says
I loved this post. My kids are 15 months apart so I never really felt like I had “alone time” with either one of them. I cherished my daughter’s first year and now I will cherish the time I get to spend with my son when she is in kindergarten.
That photo is priceless.
Tanja B says
Hi Janice,
Thank you for sharing. Your post was so touching and heartwarming for me. Right now my husband and I are savoring our time with our first-born while we are praying and trying for our next child. God Bless You & Yours…
Pamela Kramer says
Janice,
That is so sweet. I remember doing the same thing with Darrien. There is a six year difference between he and Rex. Darrien actually wrote a letter to God requesting that I have a baby and along came Rex. Since then he has written another letter to God requesting twins. I have yet to put it in the mailbox. LOL
MyStarbucks says
Janice, I am so excited for you. Children are a total gift from God and He knows just how to give great gifts doesn’t He? Enjoy the time you have with your son before your next gift arrives.
Tracy says
Wow, what a beautiful post! Thank you for reminding me to cherish the time I have with my daughter as my only child. She is three, and we plan on having another baby soon, so this was a very timely post for me.
Carrie says
That was one of the hardest things about going from a mom of 1 to 2 for me. I treasured those last moments of him being my only for months. The good thing is, the baby slept a lot when he got here, so we still had moments. We still like to sneak away together, all by ourselves and do something fun together. It’s a bitter-sweet time of life, but I promise your heart will dance with so much joy when you see your two children start to interact. It totally makes up for it. Enjoy your time together!
Tammy and Parker says
What a beautiful post. You do good work, my dear.
tanyetta says
this is a very sweet post.
My Quotidian Mysteries says
This is a lovely post – tender and poignant. Jackson’s been really blessed to have all this love and attention.
melody is slurping life says
A wise and loving mom are you. Blessings as you embrace this precious time.
bee says
You made me a little weepy!
That is a wonderful picture!
Deb - Mom of 3 Girls says
How sweet! Cherish those moments – but you will still have special moments after the baby comes too. 🙂
Jodi says
What a great post! Enjoy your last few weeks of him being the only one.
donetta says
You are so wise to treasure this time. Set him up for success. “He” is need and so important…:) He can be your helper and sis sisters defender. A hero in the works. His identity will not be usurped just altered.
Faerylandmom says
I know how you feel…Now that I have 4 youngsters, and I’m likely done having kids, I look forward to dividing my time as best as I can between my kiddos.
Angela Klocke says
It seems so long ago when my first was an only. For over 4 years, it was just the two of us. Now I take time to treasure each time I have one-on-one with each of my three.
jen says
as hard as it may be to find the time once little bub is here try to find sometime to spend alone with him
LOL Jackson made me 🙂 hes keen for the breakout 🙂
Crunchy Domestic Goddess says
what a sweet post and a great picture of the two (well, 3) of you. 🙂
i remember very well having these same types of thoughts about ava when julian’s birth was just around the corner.
it sounds like jackson will be a great big brother. 🙂
amy
Stephanie says
Beautifully written post (and beautiful picture to accompany). I’m sure I’ll experience those same feelings when we get pregnant with baby #2.
peppylady says
enjoy my oldest one is moving to anther state.
Summer says
Such a beautiful post!
Adventures In Babywearing says
That is a beautiful picture!! And what a WONDERFUL big brother he will be! You are so blessed!
Steph
Heather (Heather's reality show) says
That is so sweet. Good for you to cherish the time you have just with him.
Pam says
I did the same thing before my son was born. I tried to soak up all the extra time I could with my daughter while it was just here. What a beautiful picture of you and your son! BTW- love him saying break out baby sis!
Robin (the PENSIEVE one) says
How precious, Janice! It was worth whatever it cost you the next day to stay up with that marathon session. When I think about how Mary “treasured” the things of Jesus in her heart, these are the type things I think she held close :).
What adorable imagery Jackson used, lol–“Break out, Baby Sis!” love it!
lu says
Beautiful post! Bringing another child into the world is so exciting, scary and sad… Bubbie has been the center of my world for almost 3 years and now he’s gotta slide over! 🙂 The next 3 months I will do what you’ve done- focus and try to remember life with just Bubbie! 🙂 Good luck with yours!