Monday, July 13, 2009

Turn Around

Yesterday she looked like this...

and there was nothing better in the world than snuggling with her for a nap.

Today she tells me she's going to live with me forever.  She's going to take care of me when I'm old, just as she took care of me earlier in the day, when my stomach was upset.  

I love that my 7 1/2 year old brings me a small cup of Coke, "Cause I thought it would help settle your stomach, Mommy."   And I do not take her for granted.  

So she says she's going to stay with me forever.

But I've seen her at weddings.  The one we attended yesterday is still fresh in my mind, and in hers, as well.  I saw how she memorized the flowers, the cake, the bridesmaids' dresses, the colors, and the music, in all the detail her young mind can contain.  I watched as she stared at the bride and groom, dancing their first dance, unable to take their eyes off each other.  I obliged when she asked, "Will you take a picture of Kailey?  And of me and Kailey?"

So I did.
Libbey and the new Mrs. Kailey Woliver

I have a feeling her promise of forever won't extend to me much futher than another 15 or so years.  Because tomorrow I'll be singing...
"Turn around and you're tiny
Turn around and you're grown
Turn around and you're a young wife
With babes of her own..."

Please excuse me while I go sob and wail for a good day or two.  While Caroline looks on, making no promises, announcing, "Mommy, I'm going to Georgia!"

Yeah, she cut the cord a long time ago.  

37 comments:

Nicole said...

Aaaawww, it's so sad when you realize they arent getting any younger. They arent babies anymore.

Elena said...

Uggghhhh...it's like a big ol' punch in the gut. Time goes SOOOO quickly! But she is beautiful standing next to that pretty little bride. I guess we'll all just have to hang on to the time we have.

Kristen said...

You have such gorgeous girls. Music geniuses too.

Time is not our friend.

Kate said...

Beautiful post, Lula. In a strange way I've been feeling this way about myself lately. I watched some home videos with my mom yesterday and there were certain things I remember saying and doing but it was 15 years ago. Oh my goodness.

Christina - Rant Rave Roll said...

Oh, I have been feeling the same way lately. My lil girl is 9 and I feel like she is just growing up too fast all of the sudden. Sometimes you just wish they'd stay little girls forever!

SouthernDogwoods said...

Sniff, sniff. We watched our baby dvds yesterday - was I looking for a reason to cry?!?! I can not believe my babies are turning 4 in just a few weeks! What beautiful pictures!

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

Because my mom lives with us, I think that my girls think that naturally I will live with them, too. And Madalyn is the one constantly asking about it. She is sure that I will always be by her side. Katie is ready for her own apartment already.

CaraBee said...

Now that I'm a mother, I think about some of the stuff I said when I was a pre-teen/teenager and I wince. Among other things, when I was 12, I told my mom I was moving out at 16. (I didn't!) I just wanted to be grown up so bad. Now I think, what the sam hill was I thinking? Hopefully, I can remember that stuff when Sophie is telling me she's doing her own thing. Which inevitably she will.

Time marches on.

CaraBee said...

PS - Hope you're feeling better! My mom always gave me 7-Up when I was sick. Now I can't drink 7-Up because it makes me think of being nauseous.

Becky said...

That song was a kodak? commerical that played in the 70's. My mom use to sing it to me my WHOLE childhood.

I knew what song it was immediately, just by the title of your post:)

Great post.

Gina said...

Abigail has been declaring for about 3 years now that she is never moving out. She has it worked out in her head to the point that her dad and I are moving into the family room- which is actually a self contained MIL unit- and she will get the rest of the house for her family- and she is going to take over all the bills. How's that for security in your old age?

THE Stephanie said...

Awe... I think I'll cry with you!! My baby girl cut the strings a LONG time ago as well!!

And, HELLO!!! Are you ever going to tell us where you were last week, or what??? You're killin' me!!

KatBouska said...

Ok so what are you trying to do to us this morning!?! :( I don't want my babies to leave.

Pinky Roth said...

That has got to be one of the sweetest post you have ever posted! My little Libbey is growing up so fast and she is such a loving and caring little girl. I remember when you use to tell me you would live w/me forever...LOL! Time marches on and I cannot believe I am a grandmother to 3 precious children!

Kristina P. said...

She's beautiful! And all grown up.

Heather said...

Libbey and Isabel are going to get on fabulously, I can tell.

I love that she brought you a Coke. In a little glass.

Talk about sobbing; I watched Terms of Endearment last night and bawled my fool head off. Why do I do that to myself?

The pedicure thing sounds like a fab idea! Isabel will be so excited!

Jen said...

oh this made me so sad.
I got goose bumps.

Swirl Girl said...

she is such a lovely girl. just like her mom!

Unknown said...

That's my girls! Give them a kiss for me! I hope you're feeling better!

Brandy said...

Awww what a sweet girl!

OT, but our kitchen had that same floor when we bought our house. Four years ago...uh yeah, it was that old.

SunshineBarlowe.com said...

Caroline cracks me up.

she's ready to leave and cleave.

Killian's gonna live with me forever too..and be a "petenararian"... Solomon is going to get married and have five children he says...

Amy said...

A little girls fantasy....to grow up and marry her prince charming! I love it.

My mom used to cry when they played that song at weddings and I never understood it, now I do!

jori-o said...

It's so sad, the older I get, the faster time goes.

On a completely different note, however, your Jason is in Vegas right now, and he keeps making the local gossip column. If I had any kind of juice whatsoever, I would track him down for you and then...haha! I dont know what I would do! At least try to convince him to come back and be an honorary guest at SITScation??Nevermind, it's probably good you don't have my dorkiness trying to stalk your man! =)

Heather said...

OH my...I feel you, sister. Just finished watching my slideshow of when the twins were born. And crying. It's all too fast. I need to go hug my babies now.

Claremont First Ward said...

Don't even get me started on this road...........I'd travel it with you, but my girls have no intention of staying with me forever. SOmething about being mean? j/k.

Amy said...

My 11 year old just had this talk with me again last night. In fact she's not even worried about just this lifetime.
Little girls are so sweet.

Abby said...

**just got goosebumps and misty eyes**

that's soooo sweet that she brought you cake!

Live.Love.Eat said...

So bittersweet isn't it. We're molding them to grow into wonderful young adults. But the problem is it's actually going to happen way too soon. She's a sweetie Leigh Anne. And I hope you're feeling better! Beautiful bride too.....

Marrdy said...

Great, just great. How do I explain why I am crying at work? "Oh, Lula just did the best post that made me want to take Madie back in time when she was going to stay with me forever."

So very sweet!!

Melissa said...

Lauren and Libbey are so meant to be BFF's. Precious.

Emmy and Caroline.....same thing.

What is it about that younger girl??? Sassy and soooo incredible witty.

Unknown said...

i will sing at her wedding.

Unknown said...

and pour you vodka tonic after vodka tonic after vodka tonic

Anonymous said...

oh caroline... a youngest child after my own heart! we make no promises and must be free to fly!

this post was really sweet!!! libbey looks the same baby to now, so beautiful!

xo

ParentingPink said...

I think of this issue so MUCH as my 6 year old begins to get older. I, like you, try to cherish the moments we have together b/c despite what she says now about "wanting to stay with me forever" - I know that will change. Time will take her from me and I'll have to adjust. Thanks for making me cry :-)

Btw, Libby looks beautiful with the bride!

Sissy said...

Hey Lula, I sent you an email and wanted to let you know because sometimes your computer eats my emails. If it doesn't show up, check your spam, okay?

LenaLoo said...

My eyes welled up at this post... Could be all the extra baby makin hormones in me... But I make no excuses... BTW... Love that you have Coldplay on your playlist :) We saw them on Tuesday... Best.Show.Ever... Ooo now Jars of Clay? This is why you are my favorite Lula :) But seriously... Go see Coldplay Live... It'll change the way you hear their music. Forever. :)

LenaLoo said...

Lol... Wait a minute... That was my playlist... Lol... You are still my fave :)