I’ve never been one to get misty-eyed over movies or tear-jerking commercials. But since becoming a mom, I find myself turning into a sentimental puddle at the drop of a hat.
Just the other day, while I was out for a jog, I spotted a huge bulldozer with its lights flashing. Instinctively, I reached for my phone to snap a picture for my toddler, only to realize he’s moved on from his big truck obsession months ago. With that realization, tears welled up in my eyes. That phase of his childhood, where every vehicle was a source of joy, has zipped right by. Just like that.
When I returned home, I found an email from the department of education. I’ve been on their pre-K registration list since my first child started school, and every year around this time, I get a reminder about registration. The email stated that any child born in a specific year is eligible to enroll. My heart sank when I saw my youngest’s birth year: 2012. How is it possible that my baby is ready to start school? Cue the tears—yep, I lost it over an automated email.
There are countless little things that make me tear up. For instance:
- I get emotional when my kids discover tiny bugs on the sidewalk and ask me to carry them home gently.
- I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness when they stop using their cute baby words. I adored how my youngest used to say “lemalade” instead of lemonade.
- Birthday parties leave me in tears, whether it’s my child’s or someone else’s. Watching kids blow out their candles is just too sweet.
- School plays catch me off guard. I never expected to feel so proud and nervous when my little one dressed as a turkey made from a paper bag.
- Old photos can be overwhelming. Sometimes I avoid looking at the Timehop app because I can’t handle the flood of memories—each snapshot shows just how much they’ve grown and changed.
- Certain scents, like diaper cream, can transport me back to their baby days, and suddenly I’m a mess in the grocery store.
- Milestones, even the ones I was eager for them to reach, bring on the tears. Throwing away the last diaper or watching them sleep through the night for the first time reminds me how fast time flies.
- The beauty of the first snowfall or the way autumn leaves dance down from trees brings everything into focus, and through my children’s eyes, life seems fresh and stunning.
When I held my newborn for the first time, I had no idea that so many small moments would move me to tears and continue to do so as they grow older. I sometimes wonder if I’m overly emotional, but then I remind myself that I’m just a mom—these kids mean the world to me.
So, I’m embracing all these feelings and letting the tears flow over the tiniest things. Sure, I might embarrass my kids as they grow, but that’s just the way it is. If they want me to tone down the sentimentality, they’ll have to stop growing up. Seriously, kids, a little help here would be great!
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Summary:
Motherhood has transformed me into a sentimental softie, shedding tears over the simplest moments—from my child’s first words to the bittersweet realization of their growing independence. Embracing these emotions, I recognize the beauty in life’s fleeting moments, even if they make me a little mushy.