Addisyn just wants to “Go fast!”

Soon after Addisyn was born we purchased a Buick Enclave as my new mommy ride. We instantly fell in love with the third row seating, extra space for strollers, toys, the pup, and all those millions of things new parents end up carrying around. (Where does this stuff come from?!)  It was only fitting that with the impending arrival of Josiah, that we upgraded Justin to an appropriate daddy ride. After looking at SUVs for months, we finally decided on the new Honda Pilot for Justin.  When we arrived at the dealership to test drive and choose the model we wanted, I sat Addisyn in the front seat while we looked over the features of the vehicle because it was cold and windy. Addisyn immediately said with enthusiasm, “I want to go fast!”  I shockingly looked at Justin, amazed that those words came out of her mouth.  Addisyn often says things that amaze us, but of course, I blame these words on Justin!

One of her favorite things to do is to “go fast with daddy” around the house.  She gets on her riding toys, puts her feet up, holds on, and shrieks in delight as Justin zooms her all over the house.  Now, she has continued her “go fast with daddy”, as she gets in Justin’s truck and says, “I go fast in Daddy’s truck!” as Justin dramatically accelerates the car making her think she’s going fast.  What can I say?  The girl loves her daddy, and just wants to go fast!

However, with all the preparations for Josiah’s arrival and as Addisyn’s second birthday quickly follows behind that, mommy does not want Addisyn to “go fast”!  I want to freeze time and keep her my little one-year-old.  I want to freeze the memories where she looks at me and says, “I play with Mommy”, or “come sit with me Mommy!”  I want to freeze the moments where she climbs up beside me when she’s upset or sleepy and wraps her tiny little hand around my finger and allows me to cuddle her.  I want to stay in the moments where chasing her around the house is the most hysterical thing ever and where she belly laughs because Mommy tickles her tickle spots. I want to capture the memories forever where her and Mommy go on dates and she says repeatedly, “I’m on a date with Mommy!”  Of course, I eagerly anticipate watching her grow, learn, develop, and change; but for now… I just want to slow her down and not let her go or grow fast.

I have changed so much over the last few years.  The most dramatic events in my life that have transpired to account for those changes are losing my dear sister, and the birth of my daughter.  In the last three years, I have felt the most extreme pain and anguish ever in my life, as well as the best and most amazing love and happiness that could possibly exist.  It was as if Addisyn was sent to save me from myself, and she has brought so much joy to our lives! I am so thankful to be her mother.  My grandmother always said that drinking coffee would stunt your growth, maybe if I pump her full of caramel macchiatos daily, I can slow down her “going fast” right after dealing with the energy burst!

Whatever is a mother to do?!