To the Moms of Many:
We’ve all heard it: “The days are long, but the years are short.” Honestly, sometimes that phrase annoyed me, especially when my child was having a meltdown and I was trying to manage everyone’s emotions.
But tonight, as I was getting into bed, I remembered! I almost forgot to leave money under her pillow. At first, I was irritated. I’m tired. After dinner, laundry, cleaning, and homework, I just wanted to sleep. Then it dawned on me. She’s my last baby. She’s the only one with any baby teeth left! How many more nights do I get to play Tooth Fairy? For her to wake up elated over $2? Soon she’ll be wanting money for Starbucks, and we’ll be arguing over her clothing choices. But not tonight. Tonight she’s my beautiful sleeping angel who still loves dance parties in her room with her stuffies and showing me her cartwheels. I hold the magic of her childhood in my hands. Moms of many, let’s not grow too tired too soon. 🫶🏼
Being a mom of many children often means navigating an endless list of chores and responsibilities—from managing dinner and homework to tackling laundry and bedtime routines. Yet, amidst the exhaustion, it’s important to recognize those fleeting, magical moments that make motherhood so rewarding. For instance, one precious ritual is playing the Tooth Fairy, which may seem small but holds immense joy for your child. I vividly remember how exciting it was when my youngest lost her first baby tooth—her face lighting up when discovering the small reward left under her pillow. These glimpses into childhood, like handstands during FaceTime or dance parties with stuffed animals, are more than just adorable moments; they are milestones that mark the passage of time. It’s easy to get caught up in daily fatigue and forget that these years, though long in the moment, pass incredibly quickly. As moms juggling multiple children, it can be tempting to overlook your last baby’s milestones, assuming you’ve seen it all before—but each child’s experience is unique and deserves its own celebration. I’ve learned to remind myself not to grow too tired too soon. Though I’ve played the Tooth Fairy many times, each visit feels special, especially now that my youngest is the only one with baby teeth left. These small acts—leaving a few dollars, sharing a bedtime story, or watching a cartwheel—are imprinted in my heart. They also serve as a gentle reminder to prioritize moments of joy amid the chaos. For mothers of many, embracing the ups and downs of parenthood means allowing yourself grace and cherishing these precious moments. Whether it’s a tooth lost, a dance party in a bedroom, or simply the sleepy smile of your child at night, these experiences create lasting memories. So, take a breath, lean into the magic of your last baby’s childhood, and remember that the magic you hold in your hands today will one day become the cherished stories you tell tomorrow.