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Time

Every year, in the late fall, we go to the same pumpkin patch near our house. It's become a tradition, one I enjoy very much, especially because we make new memories every year, and because my boys seem to love the experience, too.

Every year, we take a picture in front of the same pile of pumpkins, and I love looking back throughout the years to see how much my children have grown.

The first time we went, in 2006, my oldest son was 14 months old.



The next year, in 2007, I was very pregnant with baby boy number 2. I love this picture of my son and I. I totally valued the time we spent alone together before the newest member of the family came along.... I knew once my new baby was born, spending time alone with my oldest son wouldn't be as frequent an occurance.



In fall 2008, the newest member of our family joined in for the traditional picture... notice he isn't wearing shoes? Yeah, some things change with the second baby, don't they? I had a tendency of leaving the house without putting any shoes on my baby boy!



This year, the boys posed alone for the traditonal picture... and it amazes me to see how much they have grown.



Where does the time go, really? How are the years going by so quickly, right before my eyes? It is amazing, wonderful, and sad all at the same time. The definition of bittersweet. I want to hold on to my baby boys right now, becaue they are at such magical ages, and every day they make me laugh, filling my heart with happiness. Every day they fill my heart with worry, too. It's a roller-coaster ride, being a mom, isn't it?

Sure, the days are sometimes long, and I complain about the little things. I lose my patience. I complain. I get tired. It is tiring, being a mom. But it is also so worth it, so worth this journey and adventure. Because it really is totally awesome. Especially experiencing the little things - the little things like singing in the car with my children, watching them dance, reading a book to them before bed, sleeping beside them, bathing them. Each moment is like a picture captured in my mind forever. A memory I'll always have. And seeing the pictures of the years gone by is totally amazing.... and always makes me smile.

Comments

Expat Barbie said…
oh, you all are too adorable :) i love your tradition of marking time.
Loukia - this is beautiful. It's exactly the way I used to feel about my first son before the twins were born. Then everything got so hectic and scary (from trying to take care of infant twins and a needy 18 month old to finding out about Oliver's various problems). I still feel this way when I think about it - but the distractions sneak in and I forget to just live in the moment with them. Thanks for the reminder.
Jessica said…
This Christmas will be Hollis' THIRD. I can't believe it. He was nothing but a eating, sleeping, pooping butterball the first time around and last year he was more interested in pulling on TV cords than he was opening presents. It's amazing how much has changed in such a short amount of time!
CaraBee said…
It really is amazing to watch them grow up. What a trip.
Rebecca said…
love this. We take the 'same' pictures each year during certain events (especially Christmas) so it will be fun to add my daughter this year!!!

Awesome pics

Also, as you know I hate time. It stresses me out, but I certainly live in the moment and enjoy the small, special memories we make each day
Lady Mama said…
What a sweet post! I love this. Of course I feel the same, like the moments are slipping away from me so fast. I love the photos too - what a great idea to take a shot in the same theme each year. Oh and yes, I often leave the house without shoes for my baby!
Unknown said…
I love the yearly pics--and in the exact spot. Super sweet!

It amazes me how quickly time changes our babies into toddlers into kids. Wow...
That is such a sweet sentiment!

I love the progression of the pumpkin photos through the years!
What lovely pictures! I swear, you are all so photogenic!

I agree -- the time goes WAY too fast. I've been missing my boy's baby days lately, but then I remember how sleep deprived I was, and how much I love singing with him and talking with him now...I suppose as the years go by there are always new and memorable experiences to enjoy with our children.

Such a sweet post. :-)
EatPlayLove said…
Your boys are so incredibly adorable, I love pumpkin patch photos, my oldest daughters bday is at the end of Sept so we always go for her special day.
T Rex Mom said…
There are lots of tough mommy times. We're struggling with sleep in our house these days. However, I just know when I'm sitting in my old folks home I'll be looking back at these days with nostalgia and wish I could experience it one more time. Thus, I am trying to soak it all in, good times and tough times.

Love the pumpkin patch photos through the years.
Great job! I love the progression of time here. Perfect and they are getting so big!
Chandra said…
Aww look how they have grown! How great is it that you can go back to the same place year after year and take the same pictures..something that only a mother can cherish for sure!
Kathryn said…
Hey Loukia,
Sorry you couldn't make it to the YMC event last night. You were missed!
Hopefully we'll get to meet at another event in the near future!

Kathryn
Liz Mays said…
Time really is flying by! The kids are absolutely precious!
Unknown said…
Love your photos of them as they are growing, so fun!

I hope our minds can hold all the memories because I never want to forget!!
They are such cutie pies and I agree, there is nothing better than being a Mom.
anya said…
Loukia - I so, so like you. Your positive energy is contagious! I try every day to enjoy those little moments, but it is hard when the mortgage is due and the cat throws up and some little guy is having his fifth tantrum of the day. Thanks again for the inspiration and the reminder of what relly matters.
Doc said…
Pumpkin patch pictures each fall are a must at our house too. Very cute!
Cynthia said…
They do just keep growing, don't they;)
Adorable! Hey this looks familiar. Funny how we have such good comparison shots at the pumpkin patch!
Jessica said…
I love these pictures... they show just how the boys are changing! They are absolutely precious and DARLING. Can you imagine what next year's will look like? Your're right, let's not :)
Scary Mommy said…
It's amazing to look at pictures like that. I just did it for Halloween and couldn't believe the way the kids had grown. Wah!