Starting preschool is a major milestone for children but also a huge transition for parents. It can be hard to let your baby go for those few hours.
Today my little fella starts Junior Infants and I'm an absolute wreck if I'm honest. While I'm excited with the idea of routine again and of course new beginning and friends, it's a reminder than my babies are growing up and I'm not completely okay with that.
Then I read this beautiful poem by Bekki, a blogger at Mummy Mumbles and all is okay in my world.
In light of her youngest starting preschool, the talented writer penned a poem titled 'Take A Little Time...' sharing it on her social media and it has given me all the feels while also turning me into a blubbering mess.
Her sweet sentiment reminds us that that there is only one thing our children really need from us and all will be okay.
It's a long read but I promise you it is worth it.
'Take A Little Time...'
Take a little time to smell them,
When they first come into the world,
Take a little time to hear their cry,
The best sound you've ever heard.
Take a little time to sit so still,
As they snuggle on your chest,
Take a little time to dance with them,
And just leave the house a mess.
Take a little time to make them smile,
To see their eyes light up,
Take a little time to tickle their toes,
To hear their giggles erupt.
Take a little time to hold them tight,
Blow raspberries on their face,
Take a little time to pause and see,
How much they love your embrace.
Take a little time to read that story,
"Just one more time Mummy!"
Take a little time to put on silly voices,
Because they find it so so funny.
Take a little time to lie with them,
To sing, sssh, and stroke their hair,
Take a little time to see them smile,
As they drift off, knowing Mummy is there.
Take a little time to squeeze their hands,
When they're worried, afraid or scared,
Take a little time to stop and cuddle them,
For as long as they need you there.
Take a little time to wipe away,
Every one of their salty tears.
Take a little time to reassure them,
You'll always be right here.
Take a little time to roll with,
The crazy outfits that they choose.
Take a little time to chuckle,
At the gobble-dee-gook words they use.
Take a little time to really look at them,
And see just how much they've grown.
Take a little time to recognise,
In a blink, they've hit another milestone.
Take a little time to grin as they say:
"Mummy you're my favouritest girl".
Take a little time to absorb the moments,
Where you are their whole world.
Take a little time to splash with them,
In puddles, or during their bath.
Take a little time to get muddy,
Climb trees, pick flowers, roll in grass.
Take a little time to embrace their:
"I want to marry you when I'm a man"
Take a little time to feel pride in:
"You're the bestest friend I've ever had".
Take a little time to cling to the days,
When you are just their everything.
Take a little time to reach out your arms,
And see them smile and come running.
Take a little time to watch,
Their dances, plays, talent shows,
Take a little time to sing,
Their favourite song 80 times in a row.
Take a little time to appreciate,
These memories you have made.
Take a little time to remember,
They'll grow up. And things will change.
Take a little time to enjoy
Every single minute you can muster.
Take a little time to remember- right now,
.... you're their happily ever after.
Take a little time to laugh at,
The bad bits: nappies, tantrums and all.
Take a little time to remind yourself,
It isn't long that they're this small.
Take a little time to leave the housework,
Leave all your chores today.
Take a little time to just have some fun,
Take your babies, go out.... and play.
Take a little time to tell them,
You'll always catch them when they fall.
Take a little time to remind them,
They'll always be your babies after all.
Take a little time to share with them,
That You love them with all your heart,
Take a little time to remind them,
That doesn't change if you're apart.
Take a little time to breathe,
As you see they need you less and less,
Take a little time to realise,
You miss the noise, the chaos, the mess.
Take a little time to push through,
Every challenging moment together.
Take a little time to remember,
It really doesn't last forever.
Take a little time to take stock,
Of these tiny people in your home,
Take a little time to embrace it,
Before you know it... they'll head off alone.
Take a little time to hope,
That when they've grown up, moved away,
They'll take a little time to come and see you,
And turn to you and say:
"I wanted to take a little time mum,
To Thank-you for my childhood days.
To take a little time to tell you-
You made me feel happy, lucky and safe."
"I wanted to take a little time mum,
To tell you I've turned out alright in the end,
And to thank you for being there for me.
And for being my very first friend."
"And I wanted to take a little time mum,
To say it wasn't about the toys/trips away,
It was you, just taking a little time mum,
To make me feel loved, every day."
So take a little time to remind yourself,
Of what they'll cherish further down the line.
Take a little time to realise, mum...
All they ever really want... is your time.
I'm not crying, you are!