If I Could Keep You Little

If I Could Keep You Little is one of those children’s books that turns me into a blubbering mess every time I read it.

Having a baby softens you, doesn’t it?
Emotions intensify. Time speeds up. Hearts expand.
Love explodes.

Sometimes, I find myself wishing time would slow down — just long enough to savor Caleb exactly as he is. I miss his wrinkly newborn face, but I love his seven-month-old smile. You know how it goes, right?

I’d love to keep him little.

But I love watching him grow.

I love seeing him discover.

I love when the room fills with his laughter —

and I can’t wait for the day it’s filled with his voice.

When his eyes dart across the room, taking everything in, I’m in awe.
Less a baby with each passing day…
More a little boy.

I long for the day he tells me he loves me for the first time.
I long for the day we brought him home.

I long for the day he runs into my arms.
I long for the day I first held him close.

I long for the day we’ll dance at his wedding to Over the Rainbow —
(his favorite lullaby).
And I long for the day he first heard that melody,
drifting to sleep in my arms.

So many memories to cherish.
So many more to make.

“If I could keep you little, I’d keep you close to me.

But then I’d miss you growing into who you’re meant to be!”

-Marianne Richmond