Thursday, June 25, 2009

The more things change, the more they stay the same...

I realized I never shared this layout. It was in the April issue of Scrapbook Trends, and I made it almost a year ago (last July). When I reread the journaling just now, it struck me how I still feel the same way not only about my littlest growing up, but about both my kids getting older. Although I love every stage of their childhood, it's always hard for me to accept that they are growing up way quicker then I would like them to.

Journaling reads: When I first saw this photo of you, I did a double take. I searched and searched this photo looking for my baby, but she was not there. Instead, there was a little girl looking back at me. Knowing that you are most likely my last baby, I am trying to hold on tightly to your baby days, and I am trying to ignore the fact that you are turning into a toddler at an alarmingly fast rate. Instead, I focus on your cuddles, your dependence on me, and all the adorable firsts that you experience. Although I know there will soon be a time when I can no longer call you a baby, I refuse to believe that the time has come just yet.

And then I look at this photo that I took of Chloe today when we went to the pool, and it is clear that that is a little girl's face now. I found some baby pics of Noah today, and I can't even remember when he was that little. I guess that's the part that I don't like. I don't like that my memory seems to fail me, that it's hard to remember any time other then now (with clarity, anyway). And then I remind myself that this is exactly why I scrapbook. Why this hobby means so much to me. So that I can remember when they were that little and all the adorable things they said and did. Speaking of saying adorable things, yesterday the kids were home with Tony, and he called me at work to tell me something funny that had occured. The three of them were driving in the car, and Chloe was trying to tell Tony something. Noah kept interrupting her and talking over her. Apparantly, she had had enough, and she screamed out, "Noah! I am TRYING to talk!!" Heheha. Noah continued to talk, so she then screamed (even louder), "Noah!!! I am STILL talking!" Ahhh, the life of a little sister. She's a pistol, that one. She does have to follow in her brother's footsteps, after all. ;-)

I just learned that Michael Jackson died :-( Wow! He was such an icon, such a symbol of my childhood. Despite his sketchy recent past, I will always have fond memories of my crushes on him in childhood, lol, and all that he brought to the music industry. Such a shock!

Oh boy, this was a heavy post huh, lol? Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!!


15 comments:

Lucy Edson said...

I know just what you mean, Staci, I feel the same way watching mine grow-up, too. A sweet sadness for those 'last' times.

Your layout is beautiful! Love the repetition of the photos and the gorgeous embellishment cluster.

That story sounds strangely familiar, only usually it is us telling Em that we haven't finished talking yet. She and Mark have a little competition going on for my attention in the evenings. ;)

Trisha said...

Such sweet journaling. I've realized that with my daughter also, she's lost her baby fast this past year.

Jocelyn said...

Oh she is so sweet and yes growing up can pull at out heart!!! What wonderful journaling and the story to tell!!!!! Hoping that you and your family have a wonderful weekend and thank you for all of your support and well wishes for my family!!! I so appreciate and always look forward to hearing from you!!! Hugs those little ones!!!! :)

Denise said...

Hi Staci, I loved what you journalled, i feel the same way....sometimes I catch myself just looking at my babes and can't figure out how they grew sooo fast! I smile and realize how blessed I am as a mother to watch them grow!

Your layout is just stunning! Love all the pics!!! thanks for sharing it...even if you did it last year!

Jess said...

looooovvvveee this pg.! she is such a cutie Staci! tfs and have a fab weekend!

doris sander said...

such sweet memories. love that title. :D

Phil, Susanne, Alexander, Danielle and Buddy said...

Love the page, Staci! And you are right, they grow up so fast. Chloe sounds liek Danielle; "Alex, don't interrupt me!" lol

Tara Powell said...

Staci, I completely relate to how you are feeling. One of my favorite quotes is "The days are so long but the years are so fast"
Your kiddos will be so thankful that you took the time to document their childhood.
Have a great weekend :)

Peggy said...

Just like you, my memory fails me more than I'd like to admit, even to myself. It's hard for me to understand that all the little things of my kids' childhood, all the things I thought I would never forget in a million years, have somehow vanished out of my memory ... wel, not exactly vanished, but it's all a big blur. Which one of the three did that? Was it Chloƫ who said that or did that ... no wait, that was Christina, or was it Yannis? Most of the times the memories do come back to me though when I look at pictures, which is why, just like you, I think this is the perfect hobby!
Your LO is beautiful, so is your journaling, and I just love that title!
xxx Peggy

Jen Martakis said...

They grow up way to fast don't they? Beautiful layout! She is so adorable. Love your little story of her and Noah's "conversation". Too funny!

Staci said...

What a beautiful LO Staci! Your sweet girl is growing up so fast!!

Pearl said...

oh my ! adorable adorable layout of Chloe ! haha ! I am still calling 11 yr old DS baby still ! no worries ! think it depends on their personalities too at home with us !
But wonderful that you are recording all these now ! I certainly have too many lost baby memories ! sigh !


Yes , MJ is just such a sad ending ! unbelievable ! & gosh you had a crush on him !!! lol

Julie Overby said...

Sweet layout and fantastic journaling...oooooh...I can so relate!!

Wendy Kwok said...

This LO is gorgeous. All that layering of cut outs and flowers. Lovely touch

Juliana Michaels 17turtles said...

I totally remember this LO!!! You secretly shared it with me way back then! I thought it was amazing then and seeing it again reminds me how totally awesome it really is! Definitely deserved to be pubbed!!!