Each step? He wants to see him take another, I want him to stay the same!

[ticklish]

When DS - 15 months - reaches each developmental milestone - a part of me feels sad that my little baby boy is growing up. Don't get me wrong - I love the fact that he is developing but a part of me just feels like I am losing something.

When he started crawling, I wanted him to still be that little baby who could only roll.

When he started walking, I wanted him to be that baby again who crawled.

When he grew teeth, I shed a tear because no longer would there be that beautiful gummy toothless smile.

On the other hand, when he started crawling, DH couldn't wait for him to start to walk.

Now he's walking, DH can't wait until he starts talking.

DH looks forward, I look back.

I want more babies. DH is happy with what he's got.

Is that the way it is?

I think I look back so that the desire to have more children is always there - to experience all those precious baby days again. DH is content because he is fulfilled and doesn't have to feel any pressure to have any more. He is open to it, just not pressured by it.

How is it for you?

[~Kim~]

Lol I was only just thinking about this today. I'm kinda stuck between the two of you.
I love that she's developing and chatting and running and climbing. If I found out I couldn't have nay more, I'd be OK with that cos I treasure what I have been allowed to bear witness to as I watch her learn and grow, but I'd love to expereince that special observing again.
Our baby days were a little rough though, so I'm kinda wary and yet would love to enjoy it also...

[Petala]

I delight in every little new thing DD does, it's wonderful to see how she changes and grows. I don't find myself looking back at all, but then we had a rough start too......I may feel differently when she goes to school and we're apart all day though!

[Boo Boo]

Ticklish - yeah I am with you, I often reminisce back to the days when DD was little - she is nearly 11 months now and just about to reach the next milestone of walking - and I too feel a bit sad that she is growing so quickly - I love that each day she gets more and more interactive but think back when she was a newborn - awwww!!!! It is even worse when I get the photos out and can really see the change in her....she hasn't got any teeth yet so that will be a biggie for me..

[Lucy]

With Olivia I couldn't wait for her to do all the new things........

With Charlie, I just revelled in each moment in the present.

And with Lexie (who is most definately my last) I just want her to stay my little tiny baby...to the point where I am sure she'll get "babied" for the rest of her life I am I not careful!

There is no right or wrong way to feel, I don't think.........

[nikbrad]

I was a bit like your DH with Mackenzie, I couldn't wait for her to do this or that. I felt guilty wishing her life away but as my mum pointed out to me it wasn't going to make it happen any faster so don't feel guilty. Now we have Boston and I want him to stay 2 weeks old for ever. It's hard but each stage is so wonderful looking both forward and back. Just try and enjoy the moment and don't worry about what will be or what has been, it's all such a wonderful journey!

[ticklish]

Thanks for your responses ladies. Our newborn days were rough too.

I think my desire for him to stay the same is really just me wanting more babies!!!! (Watch out DH!)
Otherwise I really wouldn't want to go through it all again!

[Roryrory]

I agree with Lucy, I don't think there is a right or wrong way to feel about this one

Personally I looked forward to Flynn growing up but now I am pg with # 2 I realise I didn't "enjoy" his baby hood as much as I should/could have. But that said I always look at him and think that one day he will be a big strong man with stubble and BO and am amazed by this fact. I think I do this so that I don't become a "smother mother" and cause problems in our relationship later IYKWIM? My BIL definately has issues with his mum/my MIL on this point, and my own mother always thought of me as her baby so that is something I am wary/conscious of.......

[Lucy]

Rory, that is really interesting........I probably need to be conscious of that myself with littel Lexie.....else she'll run the tisk of being the blonde blue eyed baby who is babied for the rest of her life........

Actually, my little brother has such issues.....the youngest of 5, he is STILL babied by everyone, still assumes the role of the "little baby brother" even though he is 36!