Enjoying the "Diaper Years"

On a recent thread, the stage of life when there are little ones in the home was named the Diaper Years. One bit of encouragement that was given was "this too shall pass..." comparing it to passing a kidney stone. This got me thinking about all the indescribable, irreplacable joys of mothering little souls, and I started compiling a list. Here's what I have to date:



Things I enjoy about the Diaper Years



1) Keeps me at the foot of the cross



2) The delicious smell of the freshly bathed newborn



3) Being 'The Mom,' who can kiss owies, give hugs, and make it 'all better'



4) Cute little baby and toddler bums



5) Keeps me humble



6) Soft baby hair at the nape of the neck



7) Wide, sweet eyes looking up at me while nursing contentedly



8) Hearing my kids, including the two year old, sing from memory the liturgy and hymns



9) The hugs of forgiveness that come after repentance



10) It is so humbling



11) The forgiveness my children offer me when I have sinned against them



12) Seeing my 3yo offer to share his toy, cookie, etc with the 2yo with NO prompting from me.



13) Sharing with my older ones a cute antic of the 2yo.



14) Watching my 6yo son hold the 6mo baby in his lap and sing hymns or read a book to her



15) I can't forget that children are indeed a blessing from God



16) When the 2yo brings me 'food' to 'eat' from her little toy dishes, and grins and giggles when I pretend to 'eat' it.



17) The sparkle and excitement in my children's eyes when they run into the house to tell me what they found in the woods *this* time. (snake, lizard, dead bird, saw a deer)



18) The same sparkle and excitement they feel for each other's joys



19) The concern for each other's feelings when one is sad or hurt, especially...



20) When the 2yo approaches the crying 9yo, pats her shoulder and asks 'are you okay?'



21) Seeing the children all vie for who gets to sit on Dad's lap during after-supper devotion time.



22) Watching them sleep



23) The whole family rejoicing together when the potty learning child 'goes' in the toilet!



24) The enthusiastic response when we tell the children we are expecting another baby



25) When I come home from the store, and the little ones say to me, "HI, Mommy!" with bright smiles and warm voices, as though I had been gone two days rather than two hours.



26) When I come out of the bedroom in the morning, and the little ones say to me, "HI, Mommy!" with bright smiles and warm voices, as though I had come home from the store.



27) When my 4yo son wraps his arms around me and says,"You're MY mommy! You're a good mommy."



28) Knowing I may see all these precious souls in heaven one day, and thanking God daily for the privilege of being their mommy!


Anyone else??