My little baby girl is getting older...and it's KILLING me! LOL

United States
April 4, 2007 11:27pm CST
I am turning into my mom and it's KILLING me! LOL My daughter just turned 3. She had a hard start to life...born not breathing due to her lungs not being fully developed. She had to be taken 2 months early because of my health and safety. I didn't want to, but my doctor demanded it since we had put it off for a month already. Anyhow, she was in the NICU for 2 weeks and just little. She is still little...only 25 lbs at 3 yrs old. She has speech problems and everything. She is smart as a whip, though. Well, she's 3 now and I still think of her as a baby, I guess. I JSUT NOW took her out of her crib! Just 5 days ago! LOL I catch myself saying things like "she's too little", "she's just a baby", etc. I just can't believe that she's already 3! My son is 5 and I get reminiscent and all with him a lot, but not like my daughter. Maybe it's becasue she was so frail at birth? Maybe it's because we almost lost her at birth? Maybe it's because she's my last and I know it? I don't know, but I have to MAKE myself treat her like a toddler/preschooler now. LOL As I said, I do some of the same things to my son like getting him dressed still instead of making him do it himself, putting his shoes on him instead of making him do it, etc. But, I don't do it with him the way I do my daughter. So...what about you guys...Is it because she's a girl? My last? Or what? Any of you parents with older children, ever do this?
5 responses
5 Apr 07
I was and still am the same with my son. As I knew he would be my last I have treated him more like a baby than I did my daughter. Being a boy as well he so needs nurturing so much more than my daughter, who seemed independent at 5 years of age. My son was admitted to hospital when he was 8 months old with a kidney infection and like you it did make me so protective over him, as I would fear he would get ill again. Their early years are so precious and they grow so quickly I can understand why you are the way you are. I was still feeding my kids when they were 5 as I had to make sure they would eat, I do believe it is the protective factor we have in us as mothers and although we know the best solution is to let them become independent, it is so hard to say goodbye to the years when they need us to do everything for them. My advice is to enjoy every moment as they grow so quickly and before you know it those years have gone and a whole new set of issues arise when they are teenagers!!
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Apr 07
thank you so much. :) i know I am not the only one. LOL
@TeeandMe (104)
• United States
5 Apr 07
I am constantly treating my 7 year old like she is younger than she is. She was also two months preemie and we almost lost her due to her heart condition. She was in the Nicu for 5 weeks after birth. I still call my youngest a baby even though she is 4 because I know she is my last child. So I think you might be doing it for all those reasons :)
1 person likes this
@mememama (3076)
• United States
8 Apr 07
That's why I want to have another baby lol, my son is growing up! Just treasure this time because they grow so quickly. I don't know what I'll do when I know I'm done having children, maybe plot and plan for grandkids.
@yuliahar (18)
• Indonesia
5 Apr 07
God do the job in mysterious way. our child is our bless. god gives us them with some reason. pray and pray, let his hand do the rest. I'm sure you're a strong mom, got god's support in your heart.
• United States
5 Apr 07
another negative...apparently you and the guy above you only read the very beginning of my discussion talking about my daughter's background. NEGATIVE rating to you
• China
5 Apr 07
You are a good mother.You babies will become better.I am also very weak whwn i was a baby.But i grow up and now everything is well.Do not worry about.She will become a prrety and clever princess after several years.Best wishes to you.
• United States
5 Apr 07
this response is rated NEGATIVE becuase you make no sense. I never said my daughter was weak...I am not worried about her...just a little sad she's growing up.