I often tease the kids that they should stop growing. “You’re growing too fast! Can’t you stay my babies a little longer?!” They tease back through giggles “no, no, no - we’re growing every day, daddy!”
Last night Clark (3yo) said, “okay, daddy. I’ll stop for you. How do I stop growing?” His earnestness, the recognition that his growing up was breaking my heart, bowled me over.
I told him it was just me teasing, that I actually love watching him grow. He’s such a big boy now, and I love him. He smiled and went back to his cookie.
I put him to bed and knew, once again, I had just said goodbye forever to another version of my little boy.
