Pitter patter down the hall,
Fingerprints and crayons on the walls.

Oh the time, how it quickly goes.

It seems just yesterday we were counting your toes.

Pitter patter of those precious feet,

Your first tiny step, for our hands to meet.

And my heart rejoiced but was oh, so torn.

If you could only stay young just a few years more.

My grandaddy says, treasure this time,

Enjoy the sounds of pit pat and nursery rhymes.

For very soon the day will come

When these sounds are only an echo and distant 

drum.

I thank you Lord for the pitter patter of those feet,

Messy hands, noisy rooms, and coloring to complete

For too soon the day will come when those feet grow

bigger, strides grow longer and sounds grow softer,

And the steps of pitter patter feet are only a 

memory in our minds.

I wrote this poem 4 years ago after we spent the day with my grandparents. I remember so vividly my grandfather taking me to the side and telling me to enjoy these days while they are little. They will grow up so fast, he said.  Well, he was right.  Today, our youngest just showed us how she made her own cereal and poured her own milk.  "Look mommy, I didn't make a mess!"  Our 7 year old was so excited to show me a new game he had invented for us to play and had written out the rules. Our 10 year old was side by side with me in the kitchen helping to prepare a meal, and our oldest now proudly stands beside me reminding me that he is as big as I am and has surpassed my shoe size! 

Even though they are getting older and bigger and things are different from when they were so little, I am enjoying where they are now.  The late night talks with my oldest are priceless.  The excitement in our youngest daughter's eyes as she proudly showed the empty space in her mouth from her lost tooth was precious.  The laughter in the kitchen and special stories shared with my 10 year old while cooking are a treasure to me.  And the sweet and pure confessions of a 7 year old before going to sleep are beautiful. 


The years are forever moving forward and the moments forever changing.  I can't remember them all.  I want to.  I guess that is why I love taking so many pictures. I love looking back.  I love remembering. But many times this makes me regret missed opportunities, regret time lost, even be saddened by change.  I want to enjoy them in the present.  Here and now.  I am so blessed to be part of their lives.  God is so amazingly good and loving to entrust these children into our care.  May I treasure each day with them and enjoy being with them and watching them grow.