Parenthood is such a surprise.  Every day, I’m surprised.  Really.

I’m surprised when my toddler hugs my neck and says, “I love you, Momma.”  I’m surprised when he sings ‘Happy Birthday to You’ all day every day to the grass, to the house, to me, and to neighbor’s dog.  I’m surprised when he tells me exactly what he wants for lunch.  I’m surprised when he says, “Thank you, Momma” when I give it to him. You get the idea. 

It’s surprising to me that my little helpless baby – the one I cared for all day every day when he couldn’t do anything for himself  – is blossoming into this fully functioning human being who has own ideas, thoughts and feelings.  It’s so cool.  But at the same time, it’s not so cool.

It’s the see-saw of parenting.  You know, that piece of equipment on the playground you used to love as a kid.  You would grab your best friend and go up and down and up and down every chance you got.  I loved it.  I’ve decided parenting is a lot like that old recess ride. 

I love that he can roll over- up I go.  I hate that he can roll over- down I go.  I love that he can crawl – up I go.  I hate that he can crawl – down I go.  I love that he can walk – up I go.  I hate that he can walk – down I go.  I’m getting dizzy just writing about it.  From what I understand, it doesn’t get any easier when your children get older.  I’m told that not only does it get worse, the ride speeds up. 

Kindergarten, extracurricular activities, high school, dating, driving, graduation, college:  the list goes on and on.  I know as a parent, you’re thrilled to see your children accomplish all these amazing life goals- up you go.  But where is the little baby who held your finger every night when you rocked him to sleep – down you go.  

It really put it all into perspective when my just turned one year old little baby did something surprising today too.  Reichen waved at Latham and Latham waved back.  I was so surprised!  My baby is waving – up I go.  My baby is waving – down I go.  I thought did that really just happen?  I gave him a couple of minutes and I said, “Wave, Latham.”  His chubby little arm popped in the air and he started waving.  It brought tears to my eyes.

‘Oh great,’ I thought.  The see-saw strikes again.