Posted by: Bethany
“I’m not a baby!” Landon calls out in frustration to me. He’s just a bit peeved that I called him baby, or my baby.
“You’re always my baby,” I tell him. “You’ll never stop being my baby. Not ever.”
“I’m a big boy!”
“It doesn’t matter. You can grow as big as Uncle Cade, and you’ll still by my baby. Momma’s always have babies. Even when they grow big.”
“Your mom is still my baby,” my mother says, helping me out.
Wide eyes…”Really?” he asks.
“Yup,” we say simultaneously. “I always will be her baby,” I reinforce.
This conversation took place several years ago. Landon was probably about four when we had this discussion. He, technically was still young enough to be considered a baby. Now, he’s a strapping six year old. Wild. Carefree. Passionate. Strong. Giddy with happiness most of the time. Long hair flopping in his eyes. He likes baseball hats, guns, soccer, Scrabble, Spiderman, and gummy bears. He says his super powers are running fast and kicking hard. I tell him his super power is folding towels. The boy can fold towels. It is a marvel to behold.
And still, he’s my baby. He’ll grow up soon. Way too soon. These fleeting days of his childhood are flying past me…I look and he’s taller. He’s faster. He’s smarter. When did he start reading? When did he get so good at throwing a baseball? When did he learn the words to that song? Where did he pick up that new phrase? I can’t even remember…it’s happening too fast.
And still he grows. I’m sure he’ll play some sport. He’s a talented athlete. He might make Who’s Who when he’s in high school. He’s the type. Very popular. We’ve already decided that girls will not be allowed to call him. I’m afraid the days of making the ladies upset are coming soon. He’ll learn to drive and hopefully change his own oil. And mow my yard. He may even get a part time job….and he’ll still be my baby.
So, I’m gonna remember these days. Right now. The way he gobbles down spaghetti like nobody’s business. The way he slings the softball across the yard with amazing accuracy. The way he makes up songs to sing to his little sister, putting her in a fit of giggles. The way his eyes get big and he sticks out his bottom lip, trying to look cute to get his way. The way he teases his dad. The way he gives what we call duckbill platypus kisses. The innocent blue eyes and enormous grin that covers his face. Even the way he seems to destroy everything he touches.
Because he’s still my baby.
Wanna see my other babies? Here’s Shiloh and Rebekah! They will always be my babies too! 
For more Carnival of Beauty posts, be sure to stop by Amanda’s site. She’s hosting The Carnival of Beauty: The Beauty of Babies.
June 22nd, 2007 at 7:10 am
I never really understood it when my Mom would say this to me. Then I had my girls, and it makes perfect sense. My 3 year old is starting to not want to be called baby so we’ve had a similar conversation. She’s still not happy about it. Too bad - Mama’s prerogative!
June 22nd, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Yep- Daniel will always be my beautiful baby boy
The love doesn’t change even if the child does.