The Last Time

It seems our kids' lives are marked by the "firsts": the first tooth, the first steps, the first first time to pee pee in the potty. However, the more remarkable times to me are the "lasts": the last time they say a word in a cute, unique way, the last time they sleep in a toddler bed, the last time they wear a diaper, the last time they nurse. Some of these events are planned, but so many of them slip up on me. I usually don't know it was the "last" until it's already passed -- that word is pronounced "correctly," that blankie is no longer needed, the toothless grin is no longer toothless ... Tonight Brandon told me that he didn't want to wear a diaper at night anymore when we were putting on his pj's. He's been potty-trained during the day for a few months now but has still been wearing a diaper at night.

It was one of those "lasts." While part of me celebrates that he's ready to embrace the next step in potty-training, a part of me is sad that another "last" has happened, without me knowing it was even a "last." I wish the "lasts" came with a flashing neon sign that said, "This is the LAST time -- Relish it!" I won't see that "diaper bottom" in his pj's anymore ... Sigh!

It just reminds me to revel in the little things they do and not look forward to that next stage of their lives. Those "lasts" will rush by all too quickly!


B's booty in underwear and pj's.