Monday, August 21, 2006

Almost six


This is the last picture taken of our little man before he turned six. As I watched him snooze on the living room couch the night before his birthday, I thought how neat it was that he could look so little and so big, all at the same time.

I was able to freeze time with the camera's shutter that night. But I recognize that even now, three weeks later, he continues to change, to grow, to leave the little boy behind as he grows into a much bigger one.

And as he does, I stand quietly nearby, trying to remember every last detail.

Your turn: What things stick in your mind as your kids - or kids near and dear to you - rush toward adulthood? What do you grab onto as you try to remember what it was like when they were really young?

10 comments:

Marisa said...

This is just too precious Carmi! I'm glad I stopped by tonight. I can't get over how much your son looks like my little brother, who, as a newly married man, isn't so little anymore.

Anonymous said...

This is such a beautiful picture, Carmi. You SHOULD be proud of that noy of yours. I hope he had a very happy birthday celebration!

Shoot, I've been taking puppy pix left and right so that I can remember my little dustmop as she is right now!

By the way, stop on by. Ambushed PART 2 is up!

Tia said...

He looks just darling!...

... What I wish to remember (and preserve for them) is their sense of wonder and their belief in themselves. My god daughter is absolutely fearless and larger than life right now, and I wish I could help her stay that way. I have a desire to save her from the heart break of ever doubting herself or holding back for fear of failing. Of course I can't - and I am sure she'll be just grand anyway!

Linda said...

I want to capture the unabashed joy they spill forth. They are unashamed of dancing like little nymphs, singing loudly and off-key, making up words as they go. They run freely and aren't afraid of all of their emotions (which also run freely).

I wish I could bottle the energy they emit in one day - it would be a little like the fountain of youth.

Leanne said...

Great pic Carmi... he is such a big little man :)

I personally am having a hard time grasping the fact that Hannah will be 1 in 3 weeks. Every day it is something new I am completly dumfounded and overjoyed by the success that she has had over the past year. the 3500 + pictures are the only way I have managed to freez time.

Leah said...

What an endearing photo. They grow up so fast don't they?

My daughter is 5 and she seems to grow everyday. I can't imagine the day she wouldn't want to be cuddled,hugged and kissed anymore.

I relish on the everyday learning she takes in and the things it teaches me as a parent at the same time.

kenju said...

What a sweetie! I try to remember the sweetness that a child under 7 has. By the time he is 8-9 he will be not so interested in a hug and a kiss from mom and dad, and when he is 12-13 - he will hate to be seen with you.

Anonymous said...

What a great photo of a very handsome little boy. You really captured the moment, Carmi.
Strange enough...my blog today has to do with growing up. In relation to my grandson who begins college this week....and my memories had to do with a dictionary that I had no idea was as important to him as it is. And unfortunately, moving into his dorm on Sunday...it's now lost.
Enjoy these moments...you have no idea how fast they'll fly by!

Anonymous said...

I don't have children or even any little ones really "near" me...but the innocence and wonder is what amazes me most about childhood.

srp said...

I grabbed on to those pictures. But more than that...hang on tight to those special, special times when your child throws their little arms around you and tells you they love you soooooo much. Sometimes they even say things like, "Thank you, it's exactly perfect" or Mom (or Dad), you're wonderful." Hold on to these tightly, as there will be a time when, as a parent, we become the most stupid person on the planet and couldn't have possibly ever been a teenager. It passes but those childhood memories are a big, big help during these times.