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I was looking for a photo tonight, deep in the archives of my computer, and I stumbled upon these pictures of you, my once-upon-a-time three year old boy.
Your hair is so blond and fine, your cheeks still round and chubby.
You are beautiful. I can’t take my eyes off your perfect, cherub face.
But looking at the photos, you almost seem like a little stranger. It was only three and a half years ago, but there is so much I can’t remember…
What were our days like back then? I have vague memories of a boy in perpetual motion, and of feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. 
Mostly, I just remember being in love with you. From nine months before we met until now, I have been totally in love with you.
I plead with God to let me be with you as you grow up, and yet I don’t want you to grow up so fast.
Every stage of your life has been incredible. It has been challenging at times, but each age and stage was precious and wonderful
I adore you. I adore being your mother. I wish I could remember every delicious moment.
Now, you are closer to seven years old than six.
You play video games and go to school. You carry your baby sister and pour glasses of milk (if the jug isn’t too full.) You read books and trade Pokemon cards and play the piano.
And everyday you make me laugh out loud.
Slow down son. Stop growing up so fast.
kristenkj says
I know the feeling. I try to remember what my days were like with just my little girl (I have four now), and I just don’t remember. She was so quiet and little and sweet. And now she’s almost 8 (isn’t that OLD!) and she was invited to a sleepover (which she didn’t do!), and she does her homework without my help and she just seems to be growing up so fast!
*sigh*
Lisa says
I hear you!! I have been looking at pictures of my son from 4 years ago (he’s 9 now) and the changes are so amazing. They do grow up way too fast! It is exciting and entertaining to see glimpses of what they will be like when they are grown up, but still hard to let go of the sweetness and innocence of youth.
Beth says
AMEN!!
Dddiva says
Beautiful post, thanks for sharing.
casual friday everyday says
Awww Janice – why do they have to grow up?
DJ says
Oh Janice, I get it. Mine son is almost 4 and I whisper to him in his sleep every night to please slow down and give me time to cement every moment in my mind. It scares me so, that even now I have to get his baby book out to remember what he was like at 6 months.
susieshomemade says
I have begged both my girls to stop growing. Neither one will listen.
joyce says
Great post. Made me tear up….I’ve been doing that a lot lately with my empty nest. Take lots of pics and write things down….my baby boy is 21 now and I can’t believe how fast it went!
Halloween Doll Clothes Gal says
Gosh – you capture the feelings soooo well.
karen c. says
That was beautiful. And made me cry.
Meg Munson says
You said it well! The last picture brought back so many memories as that is what I did when I was around 8…now I know where my daughter gets it from!!!
Renee says
They do grow up too fast!!!! if we could stop time!!!!!!
Virginia says
My little boy is not quite three, yet I look back at pictures of him from 6, 9, 12 months and have a hard time remembering what it was like when he was so small, and chubby and tantrum-free.
SarahHub says
Oh, I have written this same post at least ten times. I think every mom has these feelings, and you’ve captured them so well.
Katie says
Oh wow! I can totally relate! I think every mom can. Those seem like my words, exactly!!
kristina says
I hear you there! I have an 8 year old son! He’s playing football now, and loves it! i watch my little man out there on the field, and sometimes just want to cry:)