That One Time

Think about that one time.

That one time your baby fell asleep in your arms. (This blog post is being written with my daughter fast asleep in my arms, as I grasp the memory of this moment).

That one time she may have spit up all over your clothes, but you didn’t have time to change, so you introduced the world to a new “sweet” aroma.

That one time she recognized your voice, the instant you walked into the room.

That one time she learned how to hold onto a toy.

That one time she smiled so big at you, that she then tried to put her whole fist in her mouth in excitement.

That one time she woke you up countless times in the night, but you faithfully responded to her need for you, each time.

That one time.

Over the past few weeks, our daughter Mazy has not been sleeping well at night. At the 2am wakeup, I can’t always say I am bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (okay, well, maybe bushy-tailed). I can’t say I am always real thrilled to get up, but over the past few weeks, Mazy has taught me to be thrilled.

What if that one time, that one 2am wakeup call, was the last one? What if that one time, was the first and the last time she did something? Like laugh a certain way, look at you with that look, or react to your love like only she can? That one time, that 7am wakeup call, I woke up to her giggling. Needless to say I got up and cherished the moment.

Being a new mom, I have had countless people tell me that the time will fly by. “Before you know it, Kristin, she will be in middle school, then high school, then walking down the aisle.” Those very thoughts, always in the back of my mind. Do I feel like the time is slipping through my fingers? Not really, but it takes a conscious effort to not let time slip by. I want to take time to be thrilled – even in the moments when parenting is not so easy. When sleep sounds refreshing, but may not be on the agenda for the day.

Parenting has been one of the best things that God has ever allowed me to experience. It has completely changed me – for the better. I am still good ole goofy Kristin, who gabbers away (much like her daughter), but it has taught me that life, even more so, is not about me. Those “one time” moments, even when I want to be selfish and get a few more zzz’s, or eat a hot meal I just warmed up, are not worth letting slip by. My warm meal can wait. Surely it is just food. My legs can wait to be shaven because surely, there is always the next shower. My book can wait to be read because surely that page will always be there.

Mazy’s firsts will not always be there. That “one time” may be the last.

So here’s to living in the moment. To living in the “one times”.

Don’t miss out.