I am so excited to bring you my first guest of Porch Swing Stories. A few months back while searching for inspiration for my blog, I had a conversation with the lovely Nichole of In These Small Moments. Not only is she an extraordinary writer, but she is an inspiring person I am so thrilled to call a friend. Read on for the first installment of many, many Porch Swing Stories- and one that will surely be a favorite.
Of course I hold my four-year-old daughter’s hand every day.
I take it into my own when we cross the street, when I help her out of the car, when I lead her into her bedroom for nap.
As I do with all of the things that I hold most dearly, I had memorized the feel of her hand in mine, the bits of chubbiness left over from when she was a toddler…a physical reminder that she is still, in so many ways, my baby.
Last night, as we went upstairs to begin our bedtime routine, she reached for my hand and something was different.
Her hand slipped into mine so smoothly and I was struck by the way it felt so lithe.
Her fingers wrapped almost completely around hand and I was amazed by how long and lean they’ve have gotten.
How did I not notice how her hand is no longer plump, but is now that of a young girl?
Where did the chubbiness go? When did those toddler creases thin out?
Had I blinked? Had I been distracted by all of the big and little responsibilities and endless business that fills our days?
The zillion trips to ballet class, Target, and the grocery store…the endless to do list…they have crowded out this change inmy daughter.
Noticing this change makes me wonder what else have I missed. What has slipped past me, unnoticed?
If I could summarize my wish for the upcoming year, it would be to be more present.
And last night, as I held Katie’s hand, I was reminded of the weight of that committment.
Because what could possibly be more important than that?
Don’t miss any of Nichole’s posts at her blog in these small moments or over at Babble Kid Scoop! Interested in sharing a Porch Swing Story? Email me at ashley {at} myfrontporchswing {dot} com.
Welcome to My Front Porch Swing! I'm Ashley, a Georgia Mom of 2. I work from home running social media promotions, particularly representing small businesses. You can almost always find me on Twitter and devouring as much about Social Media as I can. Follow along as I navigate life as a work at home mom and wife while striving to find a balance. Note the word "striving"
Twitter: hookdandhappy
says:
I have the same desire this year, to be present and in the moment. I want to mark the small milestones (saying elevator instead of alligator) along with the big milestones.
Carolyn recently posted..Meal Planning Made Easy (+Printable)
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Carolyn…time just slips by, doesn’t it?
Here’s to being present and fully in the moment as much as possible!
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
What a lovely first installment to what is sure to be a great series!
Yuliya recently posted..C is for Cookie
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Thank you, beautiful friend. xoxo
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Twitter: mommakiss
says:
Oh, incredibly sweet and so true. Holding of hands. Their fingers elongating and their teeth falling out and their ‘big teeth’ growing in. All makes the ‘baby’ things fade. If only I had a photographic memory…or smell. Believe me, 6 year old morning breath is way different from 3 year old morning breath.
MommaKiss recently posted..January 17.
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
We stayed in a hotel several months ago and Katie slept between us. It was lovely to see her little face when she woke up, but that breath? Holy smokes!
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Twitter: KristenPGIP
says:
That is actually one of my resolutions not only for the year but for my life. I feel like I have missed so many details. I’m not going to let life get in the way anymore. Living is not as much fun without the details. Beautiful post! Way to kick off this new series of guest posts!
Kristen recently posted..A Bad Day at The Salon…
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
The beauty truly is in those little details, isn’t it?
I feel like I’ve missed too many and like you, being present is a resolution for the rest of my days.
Thank you so much for your kind words here.
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Twitter: mommonsenseblog
says:
How timely! Just yesterday we were having a fabulous family date out and my three (soon-to-be four) year old ran ahead of my hubby and I. Something about the way she ran looked new…different. She appeared taller…more mature…more confident. My husband and I both noticed! And it occurred to me how quickly time is passing and how many things I want to do and enjoy with her while I can. Time is so precious!
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Thank you so much for reading, Elizabeth.
Isn’t it amazing how in just a moment, they age before your eyes?
xo
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Twitter: madwomandiary
says:
Chole, I can’t think of anything more important.
Your words, my friend, are as dear as you. May your year be filled with many tiny moments to treasure.
And yeah Ashley, I LOVE this series.
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Thank you so much my amazing friend.
I am wishing you a thousand years of joy. xoxo
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
So sweet and so very true. I have the same wish this year, to be more present. They grow so quickly and I don’t want to feel as though I’ve missed it all years from now.
Kimberly recently posted..Bump Watch 2012
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Thank you so much, Kimberly.
Perhaps we can cheer each other on in our commitment to staying in the present?
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Nichole, when I heard you were going to be the first poster in this series I thought, “But of course.” This is so beautifully written and poignant. How do they change so quickly and so absolutely, in such a way that we can never recapture what they were before?
Thank you for the reminder my friend, provided so gently and eloquently.
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Thank you for your kind words, Angela.
You are always so lovely to me.
They change in a second, don’t they?
I hope that I can somehow burn these memories into my brain to hold for always.
xoxo
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
I so feel this whenever I look at my 12 year old or see the way she interacts with her friends. When oh when did she get so big? I feel like the years between 4 and 12 went by in a flash. My son turns 10 on Saturday and just this morning I turned to my husband and astonshed said “Do you realize in a few days we will be parents to two children who are double digits? I can’t believe it!”.
He didn’t share my drama, but was sympathetic!
Beautiful post and a great reminder.
Making It Work Mom recently posted..Disney Tips
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Twelve? I cannot wrap my brain around the thought of my daughter ever being twelve! But I bet you couldn’t either.
I share your drama, I promise!
Thank you for your sweet words.
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Love the idea of porch swing stories! Can’t wait to read more!
Life As Wife recently posted..Chances and a New Day
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Thank you so much for reading.
Ashley’s onto something amazing here.
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Twitter: tsharp12
says:
I love this, Nichole. So sweet and so true. This made me laugh because I notice Waylon’s toddlerhood slipping away as his neck starts to get longer and more defined. How do you write that eloquently?! ha! I tried to stare at him just the other night. Just to soak in how much he was changing. He kept catching me and getting annoyed. He always has been “on” to me. The time slips too quickly!
Love this, Ashley!
Tayarra recently posted..Mommy Moment
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Toddlerhood is so slippery, isn’t it Tayarra? On the one hand, it feels like it will last forever, but then you blink and you realized just how quickly it passes.
Thank you for reading my words and leaving so many lovely ones of your own. xo
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Twitter: sellabitmum
says:
Love your new series..and love Nichole and her beautiful words. Just wait until your child is almost your height and borrows your shoes. GAH! xoxo
tracy@sellabitmum recently posted..Tween Girl Bedroom Makeover
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Thank you so much, Tracy!
I can’t wait to see all of the amazing posts Ashley has coming our way!
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
So beautiful, Nichole.
It happens so fast. My oldest was just a baby who refused to be held by anyone but mom and now I have to be really careful when I’m sorting socks since I can barely tell the difference between his and mine.
Shell recently posted..Why You Should Participate in a Meme
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Oh, Shell…I can’t even imagine my kids being that big.
And I can’t seem to come up with a way to stop it!
Thank you so much for reading. xoxoxo
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Sigh… this is so beautiful and so true. I notice the “growing up” so much more in my daughter than in my boys. At four, she seems so lady like and I am trying to hang onto the last bit of toddlerhood.
Jessica recently posted..One Day
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
That’s exactly it, Jessica! She seems so lady like. Those hands…the way she carries herself.
Sigh.
Where does time go?
Thank you, my beautiful friend. xoxo
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
This is a great way to kick off your new series!!
Nichole, I could have written this about Ethan. It’s so bittersweet. Beautiful words my friend
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Thank you so much, Natalie.
This series is going to be so amazing.
And your sweet Ethan…won’t he always be a baby? xoxo
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
I will be holding tight to my son’s chubby little hand hoping this change doesn’t happen to him too soon.
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..Pause Life for a Moment- Amy’s Assorted Adventures in Africa
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Hold on tight, my friend.
Sigh.
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
That was beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
PJgamers recently posted..Kung Fu Panda 2 Review
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Thank you so much for reading.
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Beautiful story Nichole! Time flies doesn’t it?
Rachel recently posted..Allegrini Palazzo della Torre
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Thank you, Rachel. xoxo
Yes…it truly flies.
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Oh, so incredibly sweet…as always. So nice to see you over here, and talking about those sweet little hands? Awesome…
Sherri recently posted..A Beautiful New Year
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Sherri…thank you so much.
Thank you for always being there…for listening to me talk ad nauseum about those little hands.
LY!
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
I love that my son will say “momma, you need to hold my hand.” It’s a reminder that not only does he need to, but wants to.
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
I love that, Jen.
Katie was never a snuggler. She didn’t love to be held much or fawned over.
But lately, I’ve felt her change and seek me out and it melts me.
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Great post Nichole. Time with the little ones is precious. Every moment counts.
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Thank you, Tim.
Every moment counts, indeed.
I can’t tell you how often I think of the guest post you wrote for itsm….it reminds me to appreciate every moment.
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Twitter: sharmstro
says:
Yes, indeed. In these small moments…
Those childhood years? They do pass much too quickly.
Beautiful words as always, Nicole.
xox Shanon
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Oh, Shanon…I am so happy to see you here! xoxo
Thank you for reading. I’ve missed you!
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
Lovely, Nichole. As always.
Cameron recently posted..Comment on Tag Line by Nancy C
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Thank you, Cam.
Love you, my friend.
Nichole recently posted..Friendship, Gratitude, and the Moments that Matter
The time with them passes more quickly than anyone can warn you. I remember being told as a young mom, “enjoy these days” and never thinking I’d find myself the mother of teenagers.
But I am.
And when my boys sit across from me at dinner, I look up, and for a minute my heart reacts faster than my eyes, and I see them in high chairs…telling me “all done, mama…all done.”
Yes. I’m misty eyed now.
Thank you for the pause in my day.
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
says:
Sigh, gorgeous, Nichole, just gorgeous.
I was just looking at my 2-year old yesterday and it seemed to me that his legs had stretched out and grown overnight. Where were the chubby thighs I so adored? How did he get to be more than half my height already?
Be present, so, so important. Thank you.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Where I Blog
Yes…this…I just wrote about this on the weekend on how I am missing out on so much of my son because I’m doing this or that…basically things that are not important.
Last year, I spent so much time in my head with my illness…and now that I am getting better, I want to be present for him. I want to enjoy him like I was supposed to.
This is a beautiful post. I’m certain that all of us can relate
Kimberly recently posted..I’m A Pretty Big Thing In H-Town
Twitter: ByWordsMusings
says:
So looking forward to all this series will bring lovely Ash!
Oh Nichole, my youngest wears my shoes and my oldest has outgrown my bra size …
(thought of you while writing this week…)
By Word of Mouth Musings recently posted..Wordy Wordless Wednesday – HOPE
As for me…
my daughter will still cuddle; she drapes herself over me on the couch each night, asks me to stroke her arms, tickle her back.
But she is twelve. And she will not hold my hand in public anymore.
I don’t remember the last time she did. I wish I remembered.
Twitter: CourtneyKirklnd
says:
I’m a hand-holder, too. I think I do it subconsciously most of the time, but it’s one of my favorite aspects of motherhood. Just because it symbolizes the dependence and reliance my son has on me right now. To walk with him, beside him and make sure he gets where he needs to be.
Courtney Kirkland recently posted..52 Faces | Week Three