Yellow Fleece Tent
Hannah asked me to make her a clubhouse today. So, I pulled out the trusty old yellow fleece blanket and clipped one end to her little chairs. As I tucked the other end of the blanket into her dresser drawer and saw her peaking out at me, I was reminded of the first time I made a tent for Hannah to hide under. It was one of those moments when I felt overwhelmed by how fast time has elapsed. The same chubby 11 month old that once crawled through a yellow fleece tent is now less than three months away from turning three years old and is hosting a "private" (as she informed me) tea party with her babies and imaginary friend "Sweetie." 
Naturally, I went straight to the computer to find a picture of Hannah and her first makeshift tent. I was tempted to be sad, as I tried very hard to remember that day-- how she had just begun toddling, was speaking her first words, and still needed my help with everything. But, instead of welling up with tears, God in His exceeding goodness made my heart burst with joy. As I reflected on the last three years, I praised God for the opportunity to watch Hannah grow and change. Though infancy is a special time, it is so exciting to watch your children reach milestones, begin to understand the world around them, and ask questions about God. While many days are filled with discipline, training, and tantrums, the reward comes when your child points out a beautiful sunset and explains matter-of-factly, "God made that mommy," or she politely says, "Oh excuse me, I didn't mean to-- sorry," when she accidentally runs into someone in the grocery store. Yes, Hannah is growing up and it seems to be happening fast, but God was faithful to remind me today that my purpose as a parent is to help her grow up-- and to do so in a way that honors and glorifies Him. Thankfully we live in the age of digital photography, so those memories of infancy are just a click away!
Hannah asked me to make her a clubhouse today. So, I pulled out the trusty old yellow fleece blanket and clipped one end to her little chairs. As I tucked the other end of the blanket into her dresser drawer and saw her peaking out at me, I was reminded of the first time I made a tent for Hannah to hide under. It was one of those moments when I felt overwhelmed by how fast time has elapsed. The same chubby 11 month old that once crawled through a yellow fleece tent is now less than three months away from turning three years old and is hosting a "private" (as she informed me) tea party with her babies and imaginary friend "Sweetie." 
Naturally, I went straight to the computer to find a picture of Hannah and her first makeshift tent. I was tempted to be sad, as I tried very hard to remember that day-- how she had just begun toddling, was speaking her first words, and still needed my help with everything. But, instead of welling up with tears, God in His exceeding goodness made my heart burst with joy. As I reflected on the last three years, I praised God for the opportunity to watch Hannah grow and change. Though infancy is a special time, it is so exciting to watch your children reach milestones, begin to understand the world around them, and ask questions about God. While many days are filled with discipline, training, and tantrums, the reward comes when your child points out a beautiful sunset and explains matter-of-factly, "God made that mommy," or she politely says, "Oh excuse me, I didn't mean to-- sorry," when she accidentally runs into someone in the grocery store. Yes, Hannah is growing up and it seems to be happening fast, but God was faithful to remind me today that my purpose as a parent is to help her grow up-- and to do so in a way that honors and glorifies Him. Thankfully we live in the age of digital photography, so those memories of infancy are just a click away!
2 comments:
As I read this post I couldn't help but praise God that he brought the entire Brooks family into our lives. I got teary eyed seeing how much Hannah has grown in the last 3 years. I pray that she will always have the sweet tender spirit she has had the past three years. I know Hannah and Madeline will praise God throughout the years for giving her such godly, loving and devoted parents. I too am thankful for digital photography and technology that allows us to stay in touch with friends.
thanks for a good cry!! :) i agree that it is such a blessing to watch our babies grow up in the Lord. i need to bookmark this post for those days when i get wrapped up in nostalgia and get overwhelmed with how quickly ethan is growing. thanks for the encouraging words.
and your girls are such cuties!!
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