If it’s true that all good things come to those who wait, I, as the mother of a five year old, am expecting an abundant windfall of fortune that is of mind blowing proportions.
I am always waiting.
Always waiting.
Waiting for teeth to be brushed.
Waiting for underwear to be put on.
Waiting for breakfast to be finished… one… cheerio… at… a… time.
Waiting for the door to open at drop off time.
Waiting in line for pick up time.
Waiting for a snack to be finished.
Waiting for Scooby Doo to be over.
Waiting for Daddy to get home.
Waiting for dinner time.
Waiting for bath time to be over.
Waiting, dear God, please, when will it ever come, for bedtime.
I am waiting.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Annnd… waiting.
Be faster, I say… hurry… quick… we’re going to be late…
Stop…making… me… WAIT.
And, then, one day, I look up and I see that the whole time I was waiting, a person has been happening.
A big, beautiful person who hates grilled cheese sandwiches but loves marshmallows.
A tiny, little fashionista who at this tender young age has figured out that stripes and polka dots can totally work together, as long the person wearing them thinks so.
A pretty pony tailed girl who teaches her brother about sharing, yet has masterminded an elaborate system of hiding art supplies from him that would make Indiana Jones fall to his knees in exasperation.
A charming little princess who taught her daddy, who never had any sisters of his own, that even the most manly men in the world can channel their inner evil queen with the use of a twinkling plastic tiara.
A sweet, small waif of a girl who has taught her mother the simple truth that, really, you are never waiting. Something is always happening, you only need to stop waiting to see what that is.
No, I guess I’m not waiting anymore.
In fact, I cannot wait… to see what you do next.
About Faiqa Khan
Isn’t it amazing that in between carpools, loads of laundry, endless hours of homework, and the occasional snuggle, they grow up?
Mine are 14 and 11 now, and I’m finding ways to put the brakes on so that I can enjoy them with the few years I have them still at home. (Well, I hope they’ll leave at some point, right?)
Great post!
Twitter Name: RubberChickenMa
Gasp… 14… you’re going to make me cry.
Twitter Name: Faiqa
I am glad to see that I am not the only father who is wrapped around his daughter’s finger. ;)
Twitter Name: thejackb
Definitely not. My husband? Putty.
Twitter Name: Faiqa
Just Beautiful.
Twitter Name: Msbatman
Thanks!
Twitter Name: Faiqa
Great post! It is interesting to look at things through their perspective once and awhile and see who they are becoming. Touching…
Thank you… it’s difficult to keep their perspective in mind when they seem to be taking FOREVER to do stuff, lol.
Twitter Name: Faiqa
Awwww. Now if I can just remember this in the morning when it is time for my six year old to go brush her teeth put her shoes on OMGjustgetinthecarlaready.
Oh, I hear you. I HEAR YOU and I AM you.
Twitter Name: Faiqa
I’d still love them a bit more if they ate their dinner faster, but that’s just me.
Twitter Name: chickybaby
No, dude, it is definitely NOT just you. Our dinner conversations consist of Eat your dinner. Did you eat your dinner? EAT your dinner. Are you eating your dinner? EAT YOUR dinner. Are you done eating your dinner? EAT YOUR DINNER. Annnd repeat until time to take blue pills.
Twitter Name: Faiqa
You remind me why I had kids in the first place!
Twitter Name: Anissa Mayhew
Okay, good. Now it’s your turn to remind me…. she said smelling the peanut butter in her hair.
Twitter Name: Faiqa
I could have written this. I feel like I am always waiting, too. But you’re right – I should stop waiting, and enjoy what is happening. Thank you!
Twitter Name: NoObviousWrong
You’re welcome… I think the waiting is inescapable.
Twitter Name: Faiqa
WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME CRY?
Twitter Name: robinplemmons
Somebody told me that your tears turn into unicorns? IS THAT NOT TRUE?!! Because that just pisses me off… it took me a long time to put this together and if I’m not getting unicorns, then someone is getting their ass kicked.
Twitter Name: Faiqa
At this point, with 1.5 yr-old twins, I feel like I’m doing more herding than waiting. The boring moments are when I catch my breath.
Beautiful piece.
Twitter Name: betadad
One of my best friends has twins and so does my sister. They should come up with a whole new word for you guys other than “parent.” Because, wow, you guys… hats off to you.
Twitter Name: Faiqa
Oh yes, waiting. I call it breathing time.
Twitter Name: msmegan
See… I’m under the impression that every breath is supposed to be used to remind them of how late we are… no? Am I doing it wrong?
Twitter Name: Faiqa
How beautifully you’ve captured the exasperation and awe. And the charm of your little girl. Stop making me tear up!
Twitter Name: therealneeroc
Thank you… don’t cry, though! ;-)
Twitter Name: Faiqa