Three

threeDear Caterpillar

In a lot of ways the last three years have gone quickly. You grow and change so swiftly that often you get up in the morning and Daddy and I comment that you’ve somehow transformed yet again in your sleep.

But in other ways the last three years have been the longest of my life. It’s not generally considered “normal” for a mum to say that but I’m saying it. I think and say a lot of things that other mothers don’t.

Much as you have changed in three years I have changed too. Transformed, like a butterfly. At least I hope I’ve turned into something more beautiful. The person I was before you were born is nothing but a blurry memory now. I can hardly remember how she felt or what she thought about or how she reacted to life. I have spent the last three years violently renovating how I think and sometimes I can only remember the new me. I think this is a good thing. I’m fairly certain I’m stronger and better.

The last three years have been a personal journey for me but, more importantly, they have been a journey for us too. You have changed me a great deal and taught me so much. I was so unwell after you were born and I tried so hard to make sure it never affected you and I. I worry about that sometimes but then I take a good look at you, and how you and I are together, and I know we’re just fine.

You are growing into such a bright, funny and loving boy. You are so affectionate which everybody loves because your cuddles can make a bad day melt away. Grandad says you are therapy and I know exactly what he means.

You love puzzles, cars, Play Doh and painting. You love Hungry Hippos (even though you cheat) and you love all animals. You love your grandparents and aunts & uncles so, so much – it makes my heart swell with pride. You have so much affection for your cousins and friends. You are sociable and silly and full of energy. You get so wonderfully excited by the simplest things. You come out with words and expressions every single day that make me burst out with surprised laughter.

You are also exhausting and demanding. I often can’t keep up with your constant demands for snacks and attention. You defy me often and whine when you can’t have what you want and sometimes that is just too much for Mummy and Daddy. My patience wears thin and I wonder how I’ll get through another hour.

The difference between now and when you were first here is that I know I will get through it. I know that a parent’s strength, energy and patience are apparently limitless. We hit the bottom and yes sometimes we cry, or shout or have to hide away for a few minutes, but in the end we take a deep breath, steady ourselves and reach even deeper to find even more reserves. Or we admit defeat and put CBeebies on while we recharge ourselves a little.

Daddy and I aren’t perfect, and sometimes we feel bad about that. But you don’t care. You love us as we are. You have seen us lose our tempers, you have seen us bribe you, you have seen us give in. But you’re still a good kid. You’re still growing into this adorable, hilarious, clever little boy and that makes me so proud – of you, and also of ourselves.

Because no matter how many buttons you press, or how stressful you make our day, when we’ve completed 50 bedtime rituals and you’re finally tucked up under your quilt you reach out and pull me close and squeeze your little arm around me so hard everything feels right in my world. And I know I’ll have the strength for another day.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Little Caterpillar. Continue to learn and laugh and love. Continue to help me spread my butterfly wings. Continue to teach me how to be a mother.

align=”center”>themumproject

Best of Worst


Diary of an imperfect mum

38 comments on “Three

  1. What a lovely post! And I don’t think I’ve read your blog before so thanks to #bestandworst I’ve found a new blogger! 🙂 I’ll go over and follow you on social media!

  2. This is so lovely and honest. So easy to focus on the good things and pretend everything is fine, when actually we all have ups and downs.

    My daughter’s 18 months and I’ve never laughed so much as wth her, but I’ve equally never been as frustrated at times. A very good friend of mine said that, with kids, the highs are higher than any high and the lows can be lower than any lows. I see what she means and keep thinking that there will be fewer lows as ahe gets older and, by goodness, do the highs make up for it a hundredfold. Happy birthday to your gorgeous cuddly boy. Xx

  3. Aww I love this. The sentiment is beautiful. It is exhausting and you can’t imagine the time before having children … you do grow … and I’m sure in to something very beautiful! A beautiful piece of writing and a beautiful memory for your boy and you #FamilyFun

  4. I really applaud your honesty in this post and I am so glad you have come out of the lat 3 years feeling so much stronger and ready to face the challenges parenthood inevitably does throw at all of us. There is no such thing as a perfect parent! TY for linking up to #FamilyFun
    An imperfect mum (Catie) recently posted…Family Fun #14My Profile

  5. Happy birthday little one. Such a lovely heartfelt post. I love the challenges and that they are overcome. Motherhood does change a woman. #familyfun

  6. This is so, so, so sweet! Love it. : ) Especially the part about how his cuddles are therapy. I can’t wait until my little one is three and has more of a personality, this letter makes me excited for those times (instead of fearing the terrible twos!). Thanks so much for sharing with #StayClassy!

    1. It’s surprising how much they teach us when you’d think it would be the other way round, isn’t it? Thanks for reading and commenting x

  7. Happy third birthday to your little man! The time really flies by so fast doesn’t it? None of us are perfect parents – there is definitely no such thing. We can just do the best we can each day. Meeting the demands definitely isn’t easy! Thanks so much for linking up with us at #bloggerclubuk
    Becky, Cuddle Fairy recently posted…Candid Cuddles 49My Profile

    1. The demands are real trials! But he is also a lot of fun at the mo so we have balance of a sort lol! Thanks for reading and commenting x

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

CommentLuv badge