Time Flies When You're Being Mum...

As a mum of 3 this quote tugs at my heart.

In a flash the beautiful baby girl who made me a mum has just celebrated her 9th birthday. I study her profile as she sprawls out across my bed writing in her diary.

I'm desperate to remember all the tiny things about when she was a baby, how she smelt, how her babbling voice sounded, how it felt to fall asleep holding her tiny body against my skin in our bed.

The truth is that almost a decade on and 2 more children later I have a mixture of hazy memories of tired, no exhausted days and nights, breastfeeding constantly, washing nappies, tidying toys and preparing food.

When I cuddle her now, I close my eyes and bury my nose into her hair, breathing in her familiar smell... Ahh yes, there it is, my baby girl now a growing young lady.

The days are still long and full of mum duties, folding countless knickers and trying to discern if they fit a 4, 6 1/2 or 9 year old bottom.

I'm finally realising THESE are the days, in fact every day and every moment holds the magic and beauty I yearn for when I search my head for baby memories. And, one day, if I'm not careful, if I'm not present in each moment it will be these days I'm trying to recall.

Stay lighthearted through the stickiness of parenthood and believe me when I say the years whiz by so fast. Treasure each day, even if it's been crazy tough and you are sleep deprived and grouchy.

I'm not saying you have to aim for perfect motherhood, quite the opposite, submerge yourself into your own style and trust your instincts always. Don't judge yourself too harshly and try to be grateful for the gift of parenthood in ALL its guises.

The trickiest times can be opportunities to rise out of our stories and make a change.

You may not agree with all that I've written but please, trust me on the time bit, before you know it they don't fit on your lap anymore and have hopes and dreams of their own.