While pushing a triplet stroller (twins and my third 22 months younger), random strangers regularly offered advice…at the park, at the mall… (when strolling at the mall was still a thing)… wherever I might be causing a scene with a three-seater. Of all the suggestions I politely listened to as a young Mama, the only gospel truth was, “These years go so fast…enjoy it all”.
Thankfully, I did.
Now I wait for the 20-something-baby-child to meet me for lunch.
Two moms push tables together and a third walks in. They discuss coupons for a dollar off the kid’s meal. I silently tally up the number of toddlers doing circles around my table. It’s a big number considering there are only three Moms.
Lifting my food buzzer off the counter, I not only pick up my order but inconspicuously move tables.
I LOVE babies. I ADORE toddlers. I fuss over them in stores and at restaurants. When grandbabies come, I’ll be obsessed. But this day, MY baby is coming and I want quiet conversation with her. I had three babies in cribs and diapers, three toddlers, and then teens. Some months were rough. I decide not to feel bad that one Mom eyes me politely moving my seat.
Baby girl hustles in through the doors, plopping down in the booth. I already have her lunch in front of her to maximize our time together. She begins detailing her day thus far and I am captivated.
I appreciate these sweet moments with my adult kids. It’s all so different now, but still so good.
Image credit: stock.adobe.com Image credit salad: foodnetwork.com
Tales from a Mid-Lifer 
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