Seriously, Where Does the Time Go? :: My Oldest Child is Turning Ten

It was the summer I turned 25 and only six months after I got married. We just got back from a family trip to Disney World, and I just remember being exhausted. That can happen right? Disney World is beyond exhausting at any age. I remember walking around Dorignacs Grocery Store shopping with my newlywed husband and my back killing me. Not just like cramps but legit gut wrenching pain.

Then it hit me. Oh my God. Am I pregnant? When was my last period?

My mind began to race of when my last period was and fear overwhelmed me of the unknown. Pregnant? ME? What? I was only 25 and newly married. We were living in a 1 bedroom apartment and were in no way financially ready for a baby. I remember taking that pregnancy test and shaking in fear. What if I was really pregnant?

Surprise! As I glanced at that test and saw the positive signs, my heart dropped. What were were going to do with a baby? Where would we live? How can we make this work?

My initial worry then turned into uncontrollable smiling. I couldn’t wait to tell my parents and my sisters. My sister was also pregnant and due with her 3rd; our children would only be weeks apart.

Noah came into this world 3 weeks early and weighed in at a small 6lbs. He was perfect. Once they laid him on my chest and I saw his gorgeous blue eyes and his beautiful blonde hair, I was smitten. In just a matter of seconds, I became a mother. And as much as he was mine, I was his.

Like many new moms, I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. Even though I searched online about EVERYTHING relating motherhood and newborns, I was beyond clueless.

Sure, I had changed a diaper or two before but changing a handful of diapers over 25 years and changing 10-12 newborn diapers a day is quite different.

Those first few weeks of motherhood while on maternity leave was a great introduction to our new lives together. Beyond the normal and expected diaper changes, bottle feedings and much needed naps, we slowly blossomed into our new roles as Mother and Son.

My surprise baby is now about to turn 10. TEN y’all! That’s double digits.

It’s so cliche’, but where did the time go?

Your baby face is starting to change into a handsome young man. When we now stand next to each other, we are eye level and heck, we even wear the same size shoe now! While I love to see you growing up, I can’t help but get sad thinking the eight short years till you’re 18 are slipping through my hands.

Noah, you have made me into the person I am today. I was a nervous 25 year old mom to be and now I am a confident mom to three little boys. You helped me slow down. Before you were born, I was always looking forward to the weekend or the next event. Now, I look forward to every second with you and your brothers. You helped me through two lengthy NICU stays for your micro preemie brothers. Those were the hardest times in my life and even though you were only 3 and 8 at the time; you were the sun shining on my darkest days.

With all you have given me, I hope I have given you at least half that. I am beyond thankful for you and the past ten years.

I can’t wait to see who you become in ten more. Love you always.

Mary Olivio
Mary is a caffeine addicted boy mom to Noah, Liam and Luke. This “stay at home” mom can typically been found cruising in her minivan, jamming to Beyonce with a Starbucks in hand on her way to carpool or after school activities. Mary has been married to her high school sweetheart since 2007. She is a founder of Delivering Hope NOLA and the Vanessa Wolff Scholarship Fund at her Alma Mater. Mary is passionate in the local preemie community and has been heavily involved with the March of Dimes since her sons Liam and Luke were born premature.

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