It’s no secret my hands are full. Every day they are full. With three kids ages 5 and under (and a fourth on the way!) life is busy. With the birth of each child, I always say a shift takes place. My husband and I have had to learn how to divide our attention. I would go on to say this is probably one of the most challenging things for me personally as a mother every time our family has grown. Figuring out how to give each child the proper attention they need, keeping it fair and keeping an eye out on each kiddo.
They say don’t blink or life will pass you by. Am I the only mama out there who also thinks “don’t blink or your toddler might end up in a catastrophe!?” At least in my house, normal days can turn into nightmares if I’m not keeping a close eye on my little wild women!
I’ll never forget the time we were at our oldest daughters soccer game. We had our energetic 2 year old, Reese, running around, trying our best to keep her entertained and occupied (and from running on the field of course). While our youngest was 6 months old at the time, strapped to me in a baby carrier, I’m juggling trying to keep my eyes on the field and watch the game, keep my eye on our middle one running around with endless energy and, bouncing and “shhhhing” trying to get the baby to sleep.
And then it happened….
Where’s Reese!? I frantically asked my husband. He quickly glanced around and responded saying she was right here. Panic set it. The fields were packed. It was a busy Saturday with games on every single field. My heart sank. My heart raced. I’ve never scanned my eyes in a crowded place so quickly. My husband took off searching for her one way and I searched the other. Calling all over for her. This can’t be happening. I only took my eye off her for a second!
It didn’t take long for other parents to start noticing we were panicking. She was no where in sight. A mom started asking me what she was wearing and I could hardly catch my breath to tell her. I saw my life and her life flash before my eyes. Unfortunately, in todays world, a place as simple and family oriented as the soccer fields can be a dangerous place. We can’t ever be too careful these days with our kids. I was getting sick to my stomach and tears filled my eyes. What felt like HOURS (but was really minutes) yelling for her and searching the fields, were some of the most terrifying moments of my life.
My mind went to that awful place. You know, that horrible place we as moms think at times in “worst case scenario?” Yeah, I went there, and it was completely gut wrenching. At this point I have completely blocked out the fact my oldest is playing on the fields and the fact that I have a baby strapped to me. I went full force into flight or fight mode…. and this mama bear was out to fight anything or anyone that stood in my way of finding my daughter.
Now, my husband is usually as cool as a cucumber. It takes something pretty serious to get him worried. This is where we balance each other out well. When I finally found him on the fields searching for her, my eyes saw a sight I won’t ever be able to get out of my mind. He suddenly dashes into the woods and calls out for her. I panicked even more. This is NOT good.
Then, I heard from a distance, “Ma’am, I have her here, is this your daughter Reese? She’s right here mom.” I dropped to my knees in relief and there she was…our Reesie girl. Thank God. I hugged her so tightly. Our adventure seeking little one had simply walked off to explore. I’m forever thankful to that mom who brought her to me.
I’m so grateful that mom didn’t judge me when she handed me back my daughter. She took one look at me and said ” I know that look all over your face. I’ve been there. It’s OK.” I hugged her and repeatedly thanked her. She reassured me I wasn’t the terrible mom that I had been feeling in my heart for taking my eyes off Reese for that moment. Yet, she didn’t have to say any of that. I could feel it by her embrace.
I wish I could find that mom and hug her again… was it you? We weren’t meant to do this alone mamas, it takes a village!
