Moments

Ever since I gave birth to my son a few weeks ago, I keep finding myself thinking about moments that I wish didn't have to end. Everyone always says that kids grow up too fast but you never really think about it until you have your own. And then you're surprised when you blink and the first few months of their lives go by. People tell you about how the days turn into weeks, the weeks turn into months and the months turn into years.

But nobody tells you about the moments.

Like the moments when they flash their toothless smiles and you soak it in because you know that one day that smile will be full of teeth. Or when they wrap their fingers around yours during every feeding, like they're saying thank you. Or when they cry for you to hold them and you hold them tight because you know that one day they'll be too heavy for you to do it again. Or those moments when they drift off to sleep on your chest because they feel so comfortable and safe. Or when they reach a new milestone and you're so excited; but you feel a small pang of sadness because you know that your little baby isn't going to be little much longer.

I've been blessed with an incredible baby. He's calm. He sleeps through the night. He's easy-going. He loves people and animals. He loves long car rides. His personality is developing a little more each day and it's been so much fun watching him figure out what he likes and doesn't like. We're figuring each other out and creating such a beautiful, special bond. I knew that parenthood would be fun but I didn't know how much of an adventure it would be. Every day is a learning experience for the both of us.

He's still so little now and everyone keeps telling me to enjoy it. They say that these are the moments that I'll miss the most when he's older and I know they're right. I know that I'm going to look back on my life one day and think of these months as the best time of my life. I'm so blessed to be a mom but I'm incredibly lucky to be his mom.

I wish that time could stand still. I'd do anything to make that happen. But I can't. So I'll just keep enjoying every moment possible with my little boy. Creating a family was the best decision I ever made and I'm so thankful that I made it. Now that he's here, I can't imagine my life without him and it's weird to think that there was a time in my life when I wasn't his mom. My world revolves around him and the moments that are worth more to me than anything else in the world. My boy and the memories that we're making together are priceless and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

I always knew that my purpose in life was to be a writer. But now I know that my destiny was also to be a mother. My life is about him and making sure that I make him as happy as he makes me. Everyone always says that life goes by so fast and that we need to stop and smell the roses. And because of my son, I finally have a reason to.

-Chelsea

Making Memories With My Grandmother

Today I went to go visit my grandmother, since I had a day off from school. The weather was absolutely terrible but I was determined to have a good day. I am very close with my grandmother and I visit her often. So I drove over for another day of fun with her.

We always exchange stories for hours and have a ton of laughs. No matter how many times I visit, she never fails to put a smile on my face. I could listen to her tell stories about my family and historical events (she was born in the 30s) for hours. And I do.

But I love it. Always have, always will.



A few weeks ago, my grandmother had a heart attack and I was really afraid that I was going to lose her. Thank goodness, she is still around and doing well. And as I was sipping coffee with her, listening to the storm outside and watching movies on the Hallmark channel with her, I felt blessed.

No matter what happens in life, it's the little moments that mean the most. I'm so glad that I have such a close relationship with my grandmother and that I see her as much as I do. When I was younger, she used to babysit me a lot and I spent the night in her condo frequently. We'd spend hours coloring and watching Disney movies together, especially Beauty and the Beast. And it brings me such comfort and joy to know that after all of these years, I can still revel in those wonderful memories and continue to make more.

The idea of moving away and leaving my family behind terrifies me and makes me sad, but I know that I have to do it. So I'm going to spend as much time as I possibly can with my grandmother, creating moments like these, because they shouldn't be taken for granted and the little moments truly do mean the most.

I love you, Grandma Stella.

-Chelsea