• Blog
    • All Posts
    • Write for Salt + Sparrow
    • Contributors
  • Spiritual Growth
    • Personal Testimonies
    • Spiritual Growth Scriptures
  • Devotionals
    • Bible Studies
    • Prayers
  • Christian Lifestyle
    • Motherhood
    • Purpose
  • Christian Resources
    • Christian Blogging Tips

Salt + Sparrow

Through older eyes
Motherhood

Through Older Eyes

November 15, 2021

Last weekend, my fiancé and I had the great pleasure of watching his daughter’s brand new daughter for the afternoon. It was a joy like none other. 

My own babies, both sons, are now 9 and 11 (going on 17).

Gone are the afternoon cuddle sessions and the evening bedtime stories. Gone are the days I could bring a precious giggle with a bizarre sound and facial expression. Gone are the days of them desiring to tell me every single detail of every single second of every single day.

Gone are the days my babies were…babies. 

As I sat in the comfortable rocking chair of Justin’s living room, holding this bundle of amazing baby girl sweetness, I reminisced about the days when my own sons were babies.

Do I regret the afternoons getting nothing done but holding that helpless little ball of magic I prayed for years would be mine? Absolutely not!

Do I regret not tending to the mounds of laundry littering the bathroom floor because I could not tear myself away from watching my baby sleep? Not a chance.

Do I regret declining social invitations because I did not want to leave my precious babes with a babysitter or offer them as a silver platter cold and flu infested world beyond my front door? Vehement No.  

If I have any regrets whatsoever, they would be that I did not fully treasure every single moment of my sons’ babyhood, because it really does fly by faster than those well-meaning Been There Done That Older Mommas warned me it would.

Psalms 127:3

If I had anything to do over again, it would be to let messages go unanswered, watch less daytime TV, maybe even spend less time getting ready to face the day ahead, and simply revel in the tiny miracle cuddled up in my new mommy arms. 

Thank the Lord we have grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friend’s children, and other family member’s children to remind us. After all, experiencing the newness of life secondhand is quite possibly the most beautiful part of growing older. We do not always adequately appreciate such treasures of time while in the moment. It is after that moment has passed, that we desperately attempt to re-visit or cling to the elusive what once was. 

Being able to experience a precious new life at a more mature age than when I had babies of my own is an absolute delight. I did nothing on this day but hold that precious baby. Feel her sweet breath on my neck as she slept in my arms, marvel at her perfect little fingers and toes, and do everything in my power to bring a rewarding smile to those adorably chubby cheeks. 

“Children are a gift from the Lord. They are a reward from Him.”

Psalms 127: 3

Seeing Justin with his first grandbaby was a joy, the likes of which, I never imagined. I did not get to see him with his own daughter, or with my children, as babies. Witnessing his affection for this little lady was pure magic elixir, which will live in my memory for years to come. 

Days like this come around with no warning, preparation, or regimented schedule. The perfect days. The ones that forever live in our treasured memory book of invaluable life experiences. 

If only this new baby girl knew how much she is adored by so many. I have a feeling, even at her precious baby age, she might just have an inkling…

0 Comments
Share
Manndi Wilkins

Manndi Maphies DeBoef works at the UMKC School of Pharmacy and as a freelance writer in her spare time. Her greatest passion is being a boy mom to her two rambunctious, creative, endearing sons, William, age 11 and Waylan, nearly 9. Her sons never fail to provide daily entertainment, which inspires many of her writings. She also loves to write about everything from being a single mom and dating after divorce to finding love later in life, the devastation of miscarriage, the loss of a loved one and starting over. Her pieces are lovingly filled with inspiration, encouragement and always a touch of humor. “Live a life others wish to read about.”

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

You May Also Like

January 17, 2023

Love Never Ends

December 10, 2021

20 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms

December 6, 2022

Prayers for Your Children

Grab your coffee and stay awhile

Welcome to Salt + Sparrow, a place where we learn about Jesus, the Bible, and find big faith in small things.

This. 💛 This. 💛
🙏🏻 #amen @fruitfulgirl 🙏🏻 #amen

@fruitfulgirl
Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesan Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesandcoffee 🙏🏻❤️

#bibleverse #bible #livingbyfaith
Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed #go Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed 

#godisgood #becauseofjesus #christiangirl #christianmom #faithblogger
Follow on Instagram

Currently Praying For

Currently Praying For

Nashville

Shop Our Favorites

Bible Study Tools

She Who Is - Christian Apparel

Christian Growth Hub

Truly Simply Healthy

Daily Grace Co.

Bible Studies

Blog

Recent Posts

  • black woman in prayer

    Jesus, I Trust In You

    March 28, 2023
  • Christian Blogger

    Christian Blogging 101: How to Get Started

    March 23, 2023
  • Jesus Revolution movie review

    Jesus Revolution Movie Review

    March 21, 2023
  1. Natasha on Christian Blogging 101: How to Get StartedMarch 26, 2023

    Hey Sandy! So glad you liked the post! Honestly - the biggest thing with publishing new posts is to be…

  2. Sandy Brannan on Christian Blogging 101: How to Get StartedMarch 26, 2023

    Very helpful! Thanks for writing this. What are your thoughts on how often a writer should post a new blog…

  3. Manndi on True Love Comes from GodMarch 10, 2023

    Thank you for the kind words, Sandy! So happy to see you (and your beautiful words) in this space!

  4. Helen on Get to Know the Author of the BibleMarch 7, 2023

    Great story comparison. We need our Bible every day to encourage us how to build our lives to please the…

  5. Sandy on True Love Comes from GodFebruary 15, 2023

    Breathtaking! Oh how He loves you and me! What a lovely way to share the love of Jesus.

Proverbs 16:16

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!"

About

This. 💛 This. 💛
🙏🏻 #amen @fruitfulgirl 🙏🏻 #amen

@fruitfulgirl
Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesan Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesandcoffee 🙏🏻❤️

#bibleverse #bible #livingbyfaith
Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed #go Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed 

#godisgood #becauseofjesus #christiangirl #christianmom #faithblogger
Thanks for this reminder, @itskellydiane - I for o Thanks for this reminder, @itskellydiane - I for one needed it tonight ❤️

#christianmom #christianmomlife #christianmotherhood #faithfulmom #christianity
Follow on Instagram

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2023 Salt + Sparrow. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.