Time with Your Baby

Moms and dads frustrated by tantrums, crying, dirty diapers, a lack of freedom, and other negative aspects of parenting often voice a desire for their baby to reach the next milestone. Some parents continually want their child to be one step closer to independence so they may eventually regain a shred of the life they once had. Time keeps moving at a pace faster than most parents realize, and before they know it, the baby they once had develops into a child and eventually a young adult. In the midst of a tantrum, or while struggling with the many responsibilities of parenting, it's sometimes difficult to see that time is slipping away.

I have been blessed with five kids from two different marriages, and after having my last child I realized how important it was to cherish every moment. I wouldn't be having any more babies, and I wanted to imprint all of those treasured times in my mind so I'd never forget how special they truly were. I always said I wished I could keep just one baby, but babies grow up, and time keeps moving on. As far off as the future might seem, babies and children won't stay little forever.

Quiet Moments

The times I breastfed my daughter were the times I treasured the most. It was relaxing to stop whatever I was doing and provide her with the nourishment she needed to grow and thrive. It was a time of bonding as well as a time of feeding and nourishing my baby, and I had the presence of mind to know that one day I'd miss those times most of all.

From the time my baby could reach up toward my face, she would play with my hair while nursing, especially when she was tired. She would twist my hair around her tiny fingers, and this somehow soothed her to sleep. To this day she plays with her hair when she's tired, and each time I see my now five year old daughter her twisting her hair around her fingers, I think back to those treasured times we spent together.

Bath Time Memories

Scents have a way of triggering long forgotten memories, and there's nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly bathed baby and the scent of baby powder that covers their petal soft skin. The scent of a baby's silky soft hair is also a scent that's hard to match and equally difficult to forget.

Next time you give your baby a bath, treasure the moment shortly after drying and coating his or her soft little body with baby powder. Hold your baby closely, close your eyes, and try to imprint this memory in the recesses of your mind. Pictures are worth a thousand words, but nothing is quite like the scent and feel of your baby's tender skin shortly after a bath. It's a time you'll treasure in your mind once your baby is no longer little.

Baby Hugs

Hugs are very special, and the very first hug from a baby is priceless. It's a hug that most moms and dads will never forget. Babies are the definition of true innocence, and a hug from a baby is a hug that's pure and filled with true love.

I recall the very first hug I received from my baby. She put her little arms around my neck, and with her arms over my shoulders, she lightly patted my back. I remember being surprised that she patted my back, and I remember feeling the pureness of the love that extended from her body to mine. I'll always treasure that very special memory.

Enjoy Each and Every Day With Your Baby

When you're feeling stressed from the many challenges of parenthood, remember the quiet times with your child, and keep in mind that childhood won't last forever. The day will come when you long to hold your baby in your arms and feel his or her soft tender skin against yours. You'll miss nursing or feeding your baby and you'll wish you could travel back in time to have just one more day to hold your baby in your arms. Don't wish time away.