Savoring the Smell of Baby For This Too Shall Pass

The overcast day left the room unusually dark for this hour of the day. The fan was whirling and humming lulling us both to sleep. The heat streamed from the vent next to my chair, a welcome warmth on this wintry afternoon. The smell of a baby gathered around me like a warm blanket.

As I sat in Samuel’s room this afternoon nursing him, I leaned my head back and allowed my mind to wander. In mid-thought, I inhaled deeply, drinking in the moment.

In that moment, that ordinary, everyday moment, I realized that this smell – this sweet, innocent smell of a little boy’s room – would soon be replaced with the unmistakable smells of a big boy. You know, the smelly feet and sweaty gym shorts, the muddy boots, and the sticky, long-forgotten socks under the bed.

The smell of a boy who was once small enough to fit in my arms without curling will be replaced by a big brawny, auburn haired boy. A boy with a  splattering of freckles will replace my creamy smooth, ginger haired baby tucked safely at my breast.

It won’t be long before I will no longer comfort him in this way. It won’t be long before matchbox cars are replaced with keys to his own car. It won’t be long before his one foot tosses turn into thirty yard passes. It won’t be long and the fingers that bang the keyboard now will play the ivory notes with perfection.

It won’t be long before this smell of an ordinary day is replaced by another smell and this one will be forgotten … for this too shall pass.

What ordinary smells do you need to take note of today?

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About Leigh Ann

Leigh Ann’s life goal is to create a home where it is impossible to not think about God. She is the editor of Intentional By Grace since it's beginnings in 2011. She is the wife to the man of her prayers, Mark, and mama to a loveable little boy, Samuel. She takes joy in spending her days creating memorable moments with her husband, conducting kitchen experiments, researching every natural alternative known to man, and making her little boy laugh. She does it all by the grace of God.

You can follow her on twitter @n10tionalgrace or by liking Intentional By Grace on Facebook.

  • Athena Bonner

    What a wonderful post! I whole-heartedly agree with you, I have 11 year old and 9-month old sons and boy do I savor these everyday, small moments with my boys. With the 2nd go-around with a baby, I’ve learned to appreciate the little baby things that I took for granted when my first was that small. And you’re completely right, the baby boy smell changes from sweet to sour. :) Though, I’ve come to appreciate other things as my oldest is growing. I appreciate his everyday humor and his uncommon willingness to help me around the house. So, in a sense I’m learning to savor moments in the present more, instead of missing it because of looking forward to the next moment.

    • http://intentionalbygrace.com Leigh Ann

      What a gift you have been given! To have a child with so many years experience under your belt. I like how you said, “I’m learning to savor the moments in the present more, instead of missing it because of looking forward to the next moment.” This is so true, and one that I daily remind myself of. It’s so easy to look ahead in anticipation of the next season, next milestone, instead of enjoying the right here, right now! Thank you for the reminder.

  • http://thepurposedheart.com/ Mindy @ The Purposed Heart

    Sooo true! And such a great reminder that I needed to read :)

    • http://intentionalbygrace.com Leigh Ann

      Thank you, Mindy! I’m glad you found it encouraging. :)

  • Stacy @ Stacy Makes Cents

    That is a beautiful picture Leigh Ann.

    • http://intentionalbygrace.com Leigh Ann

      Thanks, Stacy!

  • Kimberly Bryan

    Oh LA. This is so beautiful. I don’t have kids yet, but I always tell my husband that I want to take it all slowly and enjoy every little moment with our children. I know that those moments will disappear in a flash! Thanks for this reminder… I’m glad you are able to cherish your sweet little boy – I can’t believe he’ll be one so soon! Miss y’all.

    • http://intentionalbygrace.com Leigh Ann

      Thank you, Kimberly! You will be a GREAT mother. Love you guys!

  • http://christianmommyblogger.com/about Nikki

    This was so beautifully put Leigh Ann! Savor each moment. “The days are long but the years are short”

    • http://intentionalbygrace.com Leigh Ann

      Amen! It’s so hard to remember when they are screaming and crying all day… but then, the gift, I actually got to hold him while he was sleeping. I haven’t been able to do that since he was 6 months old! I savored every.single.moment.

  • Sisterpeggy

    This is so true Leigh Ann and it is wise on your behalf that you already know and sense this. Enjoy every day w/him because you will never get them back. You are a good mother and we love you and we love Mark too. We are so happy that he wants you there w/y’all baby and y’all are willing to do w/out (things) to have you home w/him. Believe me, no one outside of family will love and teach him things he needs to be taught. It is so sad that this is the biggest problem of today with children; no one to teach them much of anything. So many thinks that is in (things). Love, Mamaw

    • http://intentionalbygrace.com Leigh Ann

      Thanks, Mamaw! I appreciate your kind words. At the same time, I am that woman wanting more stuff. I can get so caught up in the things I don’t have, even though I know the truth. This last year was a year of refining. I’ve got a post lined up for next week that I think you will find insightful. :)

  • http://www.day2dayjoys.com/ Rachel @ day2dayjoys

    Precious!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=639469781 Anne Simpson

    So sweet! And so true!

  • http://www.peoniesandbuttercups.blogspot.com/ Suzanne

    Precious. I do miss the baby years and the smell of Johnson’s baby lotion and powder…

    • http://intentionalbygrace.com Leigh Ann

      Ah, the baby lotions…sweet, sweet smells!

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