golden age

It’s finally here. IT! IT! That time everyone has told me will come is here! The time they soothe you with promises of when you’re in the throes of  raising a baby and a toddler. When you’re covered in spit up and sleep deprived and screaming and crying is rattling around in your brain, even when no one is screaming or crying. The kids are reaching the golden age. Holden is being potty trained. They play nicely together. And I sleep in now until–get this–9 a.m.! They can forage in the pantry, although they usual emerge with fruit snacks, it’s still food (technically I think).

Today the sun is out, melting everything from our ice storm over the weekend and it is the perfect metaphor. If you’re in the middle of raising a baby or a toddler, or god forbid, both, I’m here to tell you: it’s true what they say–it really does get better. Raising a baby is so demanding, but raising a nearly 3- and nearly 5-year-old isn’t so bad. And soon they’re not going to need me at all. So much needing happens at the beginning, but it eases off you as you get older and less capable.

Soon you will be writing or reading or practicing yoga while the kids entertain themselves. Hell, maybe you’ll even pour yourself a cocktail. Lord knows: mama, you’ve earned it.