Don’t Wish It Away

Being a mom is tough. I’ve dreamed about being a mom for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I played with dolls and babysat, I coached youth sports, I thought I would be a natural. I cut my hours at work once I had kids so I could stay home with them, nearly full time. But I struggle often with motherhood and, at times, find myself saying, “I can’t wait until they are past this phase” or, “I can’t wait until we’re done with diapers.” But looking at these images is a reminder to not wish it away.

I, like all new mothers, was extremely sleep deprived when my son was first born. What I would have done for a good night’s sleep! I remember praying for him to sleep through the night. I now miss the nights where it seemed like he and I were the only ones awake in the world, snuggled up in the glider. Soon, for him, it won’t be “cool” to cuddle with his mom. I make sure to cherish the moments I get to still share with him.

This month I sent my baby off to part-time kindergarten. I remember saying to myself, “I can’t wait until he goes to preschool. He is so ready.” I am now dreading the day the yellow bus will pull up and take him to school for a full six-hour day.

The fighting between my kids has been real lately. I ask other parents, “When will they stop fighting?” and I often get a smile and a laugh. Or people tell me to enjoy this time, as one day they may live on opposite sides of the country. And this is true.

When my daughter tells me, “I do it myself!” and it drives me crazy, I need to remember she is showing me she is independent and strong and can, in fact, do it herself.

When they ask for another book, I give in. One day soon, they won’t need me to read to them anymore.

At the end of the day, I need to sit back and enjoy every moment I get being their mother. Life is fragile and often short, and I will not wish this time of motherhood away.

This post is a collaboration between Boston Moms and Leah LaRiccia Photography.

Leah LaRiccia is a documentary family photographer based in Natick who is forever grateful that she got to turn her passion for photography into her job. She loves that her work lets her meet new people all the time, and she loves even more that these people allow her into their lives and trust her to tell their stories.