Maddening Moments or Magical Memories?

The mom moments I know I will miss most, coincidentally are also the ones that drive me the most crazy right now. I try to keep that perspective in the moment, but it is REALLY hard sometimes when they drive me literally insane so much of the time!

1. Co-sleeping. Both of my children have developed the habit of falling asleep in my bed and/or finding their way into it in the middle of the night. There are some nights that all I want to do is stretch out and sleep without little limbs smacking me in the head. I often long for sleep without the unbearable heat of their bodies wrapped around me. But, even though there are a ton of nights (like almost every single one) where I wish they would just sleep in their own beds… I know when they do eventually give this up, I will miss it.
2. The Constant Touching. My kids are very snugly, loving, clingy and touchy. They are on me constantly… no exaggeration. I have some friends who say they wish their kids were more snugly and liked to be held and cuddled more often, while I often wish mine were less so. But, when they are teenage girls and too cool for their mother, I will want my snugly, touchy kids back. I have no doubts.
3. Being Needed. “Mom, can I have water?” “Mom, can you kiss my owie?” “Mom, can I snuggle you?” Mom, can you help me with my button?” It is constant and enough to make you scream sometimes. Can I just have 5 minutes to eat my lunch?!?! But, I know in the not so distant future, they will want nothing to do with me (at least through puberty) and I will not be so integral a part of their lives and I will miss this as well.
4. The Insane Clothing Choices. My children make some horrendous clothing selections in the morning. Tye dye with plaid or flowers for example. I want nothing more than for Meredith to wear the absolutely adorable (and soft) denim sun dress she has in her closet, but she absolutely will not do it. However, no matter how embarrassing the daily choices may be right now, I will definitely miss them when we are having the battle about our differences in opinion when they are teenage girls and I have less influence than their peers on what they should wear. I know some of those battles will make wearing a Cinderella gown to the grocery store look like a gift.
5. Family Dinners. Currently getting my oldest to eat is a complete and utter battle. Picky eater does not even begin to describe her. It’s exhausting and excruciating to get her to eat anything at all, much less something healthy. But, I will miss eating as a family when my kids are grown and gone.
6. Bath Time. “MY EYES! There is soap in MY EYES!” Never mind that I did not even put shampoo in their hair yet. Or that they are literally fish at the swimming pool and get way more water in their face than I do while washing their hair. I mean, seriously… the way they carry on is nothing short of ridiculous. But, there is also laughter while they play after their hair is washed and these are some of my most peaceful times as a mother once we get through the hair washing battle. So, yes… I will miss this too, battles and all.

I would love to hear what things your kids do that drive you batty, but you know you will miss when they are all grown up! Please share in the comments.