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May 24, 2010 by: Shell

No More Babies in This House

The first time that I saw that double line show up telling me I was going to have my first little baby, I was a little surprised, even though we’d been trying. I didn’t think it would happen that quickly.

The second time I saw that double line, I wasn’t shocked at all. After all, the day before, I had decided that I wanted a huge glass of milk and chugged it down. I never want milk unless I’m pregnant. So, I barely glanced at the stick: I knew what it would say.

But, with my third, I looked at the double line and thought This thing must be broken. And so I did another test. Hmmm, this pack must be defective.

And so I bought a different brand and tried again the next morning. Okay, I guess I’m really pregnant.

We weren’t trying at the time. We also weren’t doing anything to prevent a pregnancy, so we weren’t not trying either. Three or four kids was always our plan.

But, I had also just returned to work (part-time) for the first time in almost three years. Which is how I justify not realizing that I’d actually missed two periods by the time that I took a pregnancy test. I tried to insist that I’d just missed one- which led my OB to think that perhaps I was carrying twins since I was measuring big.

When we found out Cub was only one baby, just due about a month or so sooner than I thought, I was relieved. I had been panicking at the thought of having four children under the age of four. Three under four was scary enough.

Cub’s birth was the easiest of the three. Since my other two had been born very quickly and we were living 45+ minutes away from the hospital, I was induced with him and given a blessed epidural, unlike my first which was natural and my second where there was enough time to give me a little something, but, nothing like the epidural, which allowed me to be a lot calmer than with my other two.

It was two years ago today that my little Cub was born. Why do I call him Cub? Because of all that hair! He looked just like a baby bear.  Look at my cute little newborn.

And months passed quickly….

And in a blink of an eye, he was one:
And I vowed not to blink any more.
But, somehow, my baby is now 2.
If you ask him how old he is, he tells you THREE. I try to correct him and tell him TWO, but he insists that he is three already.
And with that, I realized that I don’t have any more babies in my house. That they are all growing up so quickly. The baby gear and clothes are slowly all making their way out the door.
There will be no more pregnancy tests with double lines in this house, no more anticipation of a new baby’s arrival. No more first smile, first time rolling over, first time sitting up, first crawl, first spitting out of baby food, first step, first sleeping through the night, first word.
Now, it’s lasts. Last firsts. The last time that I get to see one of my babies hit a milestone for the first time.
I think I understand why the baby of the family is forever treated like, well, a baby.
So, my dear Cub, I know you want to grow up quickly and be able to do all that your big brothers can do, but please forgive Mommy for wanting to keep you as a baby for a little while longer.
Because you are my last baby. Happy 2nd Birthday, Cub!
Pour Your Heart Out: Too Many Glasses to Count
Milestones: I’m Not Mushy….

Comments

  1. singedwingangel says

    May 24, 2010 at 6:57 am

    AWww he is a cutie and LOOK at all that hair!!! Happy Birthday lil man

  2. Karin Katherine says

    May 24, 2010 at 7:00 am

    It just made my body ache to look at those precious baby shots of your cub. I am DYING over here for another baby. And it would figure, the Guinea Pig is pregnant—but not me….waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

  3. Cheryl says

    May 24, 2010 at 7:06 am

    Wow, he's adorable. Happy birthday little guy. Happy birthday to you as well Shell.

  4. Rebecca says

    May 24, 2010 at 7:09 am

    Okay, first of all, he is seriously gorgeous!!! I love all of his hair and I'm sure that my Hailey would be jealous!

    Second of all, I'm so envious of your baby gear leaving the house…for that, you are very very lucky.

    Third, maybe this is why I had twins…we hit all milestones together and then they're gone…no one else has to hit them. We enjoy each of them to their fullest b/c we know that this is it.

    Happy Birthday Cub!!! Let your Mommy hold you like a little baby for a just a minute, okay?

  5. aLmYbNeNr says

    May 24, 2010 at 7:14 am

    Happy birthday to Cub!
    wow, that IS a lot of hair! And so dark to start and now so light!

  6. danita says

    May 24, 2010 at 7:26 am

    πŸ™‚

  7. Kerri says

    May 24, 2010 at 7:35 am

    Happy Birthday to him. I only have two but am struggling with my "baby" turning 2 in August. My oldest will be starting a full day pre k program in September.

    Hugs to you Momma. Hug that "baby" tight!!

  8. The Mommyologist says

    May 24, 2010 at 8:02 am

    Happy Birthday to that beautiful little boy!! It does go SO fast! No more pink lines for me either I've recently decided. It's a little sad, but then again we have so much fun together doing things as a family now that he's older, so I try and remember that whenever I think about starting over!

  9. Kristine says

    May 24, 2010 at 8:21 am

    I'm going through much of the same feelings, knowing that our baby is the last. I'm trying to enjoy every day because, like you said, there will be no more firsts.

    Found you on SITS. Glad I did πŸ™‚

  10. Foursons says

    May 24, 2010 at 8:22 am

    Happy 2nd Birthday to that sweet boy! I'm surprised his hair has lightened up so much since he was born. He is going to be a heartbreaker!

  11. Stephanie says

    May 24, 2010 at 8:22 am

    Awe I remember my last baby- its sad to see all those "last's" happen.
    But with that you have a super handsome little guy- and im sure a beautiful family =]

  12. Jen says

    May 24, 2010 at 8:29 am

    I really understand what you are feeling. My babies will be 3 in a couple weeks. We are so far removed from the baby stage and it kind of makes me sad but also, happy.

    Happy Birthday, Cub.

  13. Jenny says

    May 24, 2010 at 8:29 am

    Such a sweet post about your Cub…what a cutie all the way around..

    Happy Birthday Cub!

  14. Jene says

    May 24, 2010 at 8:30 am

    Aw, I have tears in my eyes! Happy birthday to your little cub!

  15. Jayme says

    May 24, 2010 at 8:32 am

    Aww Happy Birthday little guy! I love looking at the pics of him as he grows, I love when people post time lines like that πŸ™‚ He's so cute, all three of yours are!

  16. Steph says

    May 24, 2010 at 8:49 am

    Happy Birthday!!!

    This post made me cry. πŸ™
    Damn hormones. πŸ™‚

    xoxox

  17. apaprikao says

    May 24, 2010 at 9:08 am

    Aw! What a sweet post!

    You have a very handsome little man on your hands. I love that his hair is getting lighter.

    Happy 2nd Birthday Cub!

  18. Melissa says

    May 24, 2010 at 9:22 am

    Aww Happy Birthday Cub! And big hugs Shell, he may be your last "baby" but you have years of mommying ahead of you!

  19. Ian says

    May 24, 2010 at 9:26 am

    Posts like this and your PYHO make you one of my all time favorite bloggers. It looks effortless and you tell a story with such grace and charm

  20. The Boob Nazi says

    May 24, 2010 at 9:28 am

    awww happy birthday to him!

  21. MommyLovesStilettos says

    May 24, 2010 at 9:30 am

    Aww Happy Birthday to Cub! πŸ™‚

  22. Brandi says

    May 24, 2010 at 9:33 am

    That hair! My goodness he's adorable! Happy Birthday to Cub! πŸ™‚

  23. Katina says

    May 24, 2010 at 9:41 am

    Happy Birthday Cub! He is so cute and those eyes!!!! Both my girls had full heads of hair. You are so right, the baby is always the baby!

  24. Overthinking Mama says

    May 24, 2010 at 9:43 am

    he is adorable!!!

    Happy Birthday Cub!!

    God Bless

    <3
    otm

  25. Jenn says

    May 24, 2010 at 9:48 am

    Oh, he is sooo cute! Happy Birthday little Cub!

  26. T.J. says

    May 24, 2010 at 10:13 am

    Happy Happy Birthday Cub! Two already! Hope you keep that head of hair for a very very very long time πŸ˜‰

  27. Life Without Pink says

    May 24, 2010 at 10:14 am

    Awe how sweet…you son is beautiful. Happy Birthday to him. I know there won't be any more babies in this house either..kinda of sad about it!

  28. Salt says

    May 24, 2010 at 10:14 am

    He is so adorable!!! Happy birthday to him. You still have a lifetime of firsts to go through with him!!

  29. cheri says

    May 24, 2010 at 10:31 am

    happy birthday, cub! they grow up so fast, dont they?

  30. Jenn @ South of Sheridan says

    May 24, 2010 at 10:32 am

    Happy Birthday Cub! πŸ™‚

  31. We live in a Zoo! says

    May 24, 2010 at 11:07 am

    Its kind of sad isn't it…=/

  32. Cara Mamma says

    May 24, 2010 at 11:12 am

    Happy birthday to Cub!! love the picture timeline….

  33. Daisygirl says

    May 24, 2010 at 11:15 am

    Okay his baby picture made my ovaries twitch…a lot!!!

    I was the same way with my 3rd babe…I took 5 tests because I was like NO WAY…I had an 11 month old still!

    But seriously I want to keep him a baby forever too! πŸ˜‰

  34. Daisygirl says

    May 24, 2010 at 11:15 am

    oh and ps…Happy Birthday Cub! Cutest bear I ever seen!

  35. Chantele says

    May 24, 2010 at 11:26 am

    I'm having this same issue right now. My baby is two 1/2 and all of the baby stuff is going and I'm like whaaaaat? lol

    Happy Birthday Cub! My daughter turned 5 today.

  36. Ma What's 4 dinner says

    May 24, 2010 at 11:32 am

    Happy Birthday Cub! I'm so right there with you. I'm realizing just how fast it's flying by. But, seriously, can they just be in kindergarten already??? Just one????

    Lots of yummy love,
    Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner
    http://www.mawhats4dinner.com

  37. Julia says

    May 24, 2010 at 11:52 am

    happy birthday!! they do grow up sooooo fast!

  38. An Imperfect New Momma says

    May 24, 2010 at 11:52 am

    What a sweet little man! Happy Birthday! :o)

  39. Evonne says

    May 24, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    I can't get over all his hair! Too cute! Happy birthday, Cub!

    My son, who's 4, has been insisting that he is 6 for the past two years now. And that no epidural thing… ya, it stinks! I couldn't get one either for either kid.

  40. adrienzgirl says

    May 24, 2010 at 12:03 pm

    Awww…sad Momma. I went through all of those feelings with Kamden. Then we got our surprise Khylee a few months ago. Babies really do bring so much joy into the house. But, trust me, it's really nice when they are all self sufficient too!

    Kenna had hair like that when she was a baby. She looked like she came out with a wig on she had so much hair.

  41. Kmama says

    May 24, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    Aww, Happy b-day to Cub. He's such a handsome boy. Man, look at those lashes!!

  42. Michelle Hoad says

    May 24, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    Our youngest is two now and it's killing me. You would think I would be happy about it, but I'm not. Being a mommy is more about who you are than what you do. I have been pregnant or nursing for the past 15 years and now I'm done. No more nursing, no more babies, no more diapers. OK, maybe I'm happy about the diapers thing.

  43. purseblogger says

    May 24, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    He is so adorable! I love all that hair and those eyelashes! Happy 2nd birthday to your sweet Cub. πŸ™‚

  44. Shawna says

    May 24, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    That is SO sweet!!! I think we're on our last baby too. Come see pictures!

    And you can pick up the award I just gave you.

    shawna-mygirls.blogspot.com

  45. heavenisabookstore says

    May 24, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    Well I'd have to say he is so adorable at any age.

  46. Queenie Jeannie says

    May 24, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    What a sweet and "real" post!! Loved it!!

    Happy Birthday to your last little cub!

  47. The Blue Zoo says

    May 24, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    Aw, Happy Birthday little man!

    My baby is 3. Poor kid is gonna be called baby forever. I tell him to stop growing and he gets soooo mad! LOL

  48. Anything Mom! says

    May 24, 2010 at 1:06 pm

    I hate when "firsts" start to become "last". πŸ™ My boys are 11 and 5, and there are no more babies here either. I am finding joy in being a big kids' mom too, though. I still love to look in on them sleeping, and watch them do new things. They will always be my babies! Thanks for sharing these adorable pics. Your little cub is so precious! Happy birhtday!

  49. cathyjoy says

    May 24, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    Happy birthday little Cub! You are adorable! And mom, while you may want him to stay little a while longer, pretty soon you will start to enjoy the freedom. You will start to slather love on other people's babies and it'll be awesome (specially cause you can give em back when they poop or puke!)

  50. Oka says

    May 24, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    Look at how much his hair has lightened. He's a cutie and deserves to be the baby πŸ˜€ (even if I still hate being refereed to as the baby).

  51. MommaKiss says

    May 24, 2010 at 2:01 pm

    Oh. For real. The "last firsts." My guy is potty training [about done for real]…so to have no diapers, after 5 long years of diapers…I'm not sure what we'll do with all the extra money?! :p
    Happy Birthday to your cute Cub. And I mean C-U-T-E!

  52. Nancy C says

    May 24, 2010 at 2:04 pm

    I understand. All of it. The longing, the relief, the understanding that this is it, and we're leaving Babyland for good.

  53. Joann Mannix says

    May 24, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    That was beautiful, Shell.

    Happy Birthday to your sweet boy.

    I know exactly how you feel, my baby is 12. The days whooshed by me faster than I ever knew possible. How bittersweet this raising of children is. It all goes too fast.

  54. Tammy says

    May 24, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    Happy Birthday Cub! Wow 2 years old!

    It's okay mom, Brad is still my baby at 7…it's hard to think of him like that when I see him being all grown up…but he will always be my baby.

  55. Heather says

    May 24, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    How sweet.
    I know the feeling exactly.

    Enjoy. Maybe your baby and my baby can be friends some day and wonder together why no one will let them grow up!!

  56. Samantha says

    May 24, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    Happy Birthday Cub πŸ™‚

  57. Cheryl says

    May 24, 2010 at 3:07 pm

    Oh my. That is a VERY cute Cub. My goodness. There is just something special about the third (and final) one, isn't there? Mine is 14 months and I'm glad he's still a baby (that still counts as a baby, right? RIGHT?!?!). Truth be told, I so know I'm done. Yes, I miss some of the newborn/infant stuff, but not being pregnant, not giving birth, not the sleepless nights, not trying to lose the weight, not being able to take a shower…the list goes on!

  58. Aging Mommy says

    May 24, 2010 at 3:14 pm

    This is a beautiful post, your emotions speak through your words so clearly. As the mother of an only I feel that way too, part of me is all eager to see what comes next, but the other half of me is silently saying "slow down, I haven't had enough time to enjoy this stage yet!"

    Happy birthday to your beautiful little boy

  59. jenn@peacelovemommy says

    May 24, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    awe you made my cry.

    Happy Birthday to your little boy.

    love this

  60. Angie says

    May 24, 2010 at 4:41 pm

    Happy Birthday to Sweet Mas!!!

    Look how light his hair looks!! Is it just the picture or has it really gotten that light?!?!

  61. Lourie says

    May 24, 2010 at 4:42 pm

    Oh he is sooooo adorable!!! Happy Birthday to him. No their are no longer babies in the house, but there are many many firsts to see and look forward to.

  62. The Random Blogette says

    May 24, 2010 at 4:53 pm

    He is so adorable! I am also done with having any more babies. It is sad, but I just can't imagine going through all of it again!

  63. Ali @ Mommie Life says

    May 24, 2010 at 4:56 pm

    How sweet is this! It's going to be so hard for me to not have a baby in my house! I LOVE my baby girl and the hubbs and I are already going to start trying for #2!

    Happy Birthday Cub! πŸ™‚

  64. Sonora says

    May 24, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    Happy Birthday to him! What a doll! I can so totally relate to this post. I am a bit behind you, but there will be no more babies here either and I have thought so much about the last firsts. In one way it is really nice because I think it really makes you appreciate their being a baby and every stage thereafter.

  65. J. L. W. says

    May 24, 2010 at 4:59 pm

    Happy birthday to your little boy!!!! He's a cutie. Your little ones still have a lot of firsts ahead of them.

  66. Michelle Pixie says

    May 24, 2010 at 5:03 pm

    Happy Birthday, Cub!

    This post melted my heart but that beautiful boy of yours…oh my he is priceless!

  67. Casey @ If The Crown Fits says

    May 24, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    Oh my goodness, he is seriously one of the cutest babies I have ever seen! He is just too adorable!

  68. Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend says

    May 24, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    He is a doll….My little grandson Jack…is 2 and he insists that he is five….Everytime…

  69. Messy Mommy says

    May 24, 2010 at 5:56 pm

    "There will be no more pregnancy tests with double lines in this house, no more anticipation of a new baby's arrival. No more first smile, first time rolling over, first time sitting up, first crawl, first spitting out of baby food, first step, first sleeping through the night, first word."

    That makes me sad!!!!!

  70. From Tracie says

    May 24, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    He is such a cutie pie that last baby of yours!

  71. Jen says

    May 24, 2010 at 6:42 pm

    Such a sweet post, Shell! Happy birthday, Cub! He does have a gorgeous head of hair. πŸ™‚

  72. blueviolet says

    May 24, 2010 at 7:12 pm

    Happy Birthday to your special little boy! And my son is still my baby, even though he towers over me!

  73. Lisa says

    May 24, 2010 at 7:35 pm

    Awwww Happy Birthday CUB!!! He is so pretty…I know boys aren't pretty but he is! His hair really lightened up. Kelly was blonde and hers darkened.

  74. Simoney says

    May 24, 2010 at 7:48 pm

    I am in exactly the same place as you… no more babies πŸ™
    It's not that I want more… it's just hard to get your head around the fact that THIS IS YOUR LAST.

    My youngest of three, my baby, turned two about a month ago.

    He is a big strong strapping boy who loves to be in amongst the action with his big bro and sis.

    But I still call him my baby. And my baby forever he'll be πŸ™‚

    Happy birthday Cub. You are gorgeous.
    xx

  75. Chelle says

    May 24, 2010 at 8:22 pm

    Oh, Shell, that was the most beautifully written post ever! Happy 2nd birthday sweet baby boy!

    And I almost said 3rd birthday…ha!

    xo

  76. Diana says

    May 24, 2010 at 9:19 pm

    Cub is the perfect name for him too. Such a cutie!! Happy Birthday Cub! πŸ™‚

  77. Heather says

    May 24, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    Happy birthday Cub! Your such a sweetie πŸ™‚

  78. Staci says

    May 24, 2010 at 10:07 pm

    what a cutie! I hope his birthday was great!!! I get so sad thinking that there is no more babies, but then I freak out… could I handle another?!?! πŸ™‚

  79. Eclipsed says

    May 24, 2010 at 10:12 pm

    I cannot even take how cute he is. It's bittersweet to watch them grow.

  80. parentingBYdummies says

    May 24, 2010 at 10:37 pm

    Happy birthday to you both. He may have been born but you did all the work so celebrate together. Give him cake. You have wine:)

  81. Much More Than Mommy says

    May 24, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    How precious! Happy Birthday to your little guy!!

  82. Dysfunctional Mom says

    May 25, 2010 at 3:52 am

    My last baby is nine, and I'd probably put a diaper on her and give her a bottle if she'd let me.
    Happy Birthday to Cub!

  83. Michelle @ Flying Giggles says

    May 25, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    Time flies by so fast! Happy Birthday to him!

  84. The Drama Mama says

    May 25, 2010 at 2:13 pm

    Scooby is my last baby too, so I totally understand. I'm glad that he really isn't in too much of a rush.

  85. Krystyn says

    May 25, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    Awwww…you are making my uterus hurt. What a sweet BABY boy! I already baby my toddler…I'm scared how bad it will be if/when there is a third.

  86. Sara says

    May 25, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    That child's face is just so squishable!

  87. Truthful Mommy says

    May 25, 2010 at 11:27 pm

    Thanks for stopping by. I am now following from FMBT!I so know the feeling of first lasts. In fact, I just wrote about this very thing over the weekend.My baby turned three and keeps saying she's 5 ( like her older sister).Your cub is adorable! Happy MOthering!
    http://motherhoodthetruth.blogspot.com

  88. A Lil Story says

    May 25, 2010 at 11:41 pm

    so, so adorable… awww!!! okay, that is funny about him saying he is three, my little reese(2) is doing that too, only he thinks he is 5, and he will argue all day long about it. =)

  89. Anastasia says

    May 27, 2010 at 3:00 pm

    wow, that was an insane amount of hair! He's a serious cutie. And Happy belated birthday.

  90. RN Mama says

    May 27, 2010 at 9:28 pm

    Ohmygoodness, look at all that hair! Happy Birthday to your sweet cub:) I understand about your baby growing up, mine will be in kindergarten this fall:(

  91. Frugal Vicki says

    June 28, 2010 at 1:47 am

    This made me cry. For some many reasons. First, it is beautifully written. But also, I am struggling with a few things. The big big big reason that we will not have a third is the damn economy. I can NOT fit one into this house. We only have two bedrooms as it is, and the kid's is small small small. Secondly, I am just not sure. Which I have never been. I just wish I didn't have so many "last first" regrets and sadness.

Trackbacks

  1. Pour Your Heart Out: There are Two of Us says:
    April 17, 2012 at 10:46 pm

    […] as much as I love holding a new baby, I’m so ready to move on from that stage. I still want to babysit, but I want to give the baby back and be able to get some sleep at […]

Welcome to Things I Can't Say: Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom. I'm Shell. Boy mom, beach girl, bookworm, ball games, baker, brand ambassador, Thinking yoga, food, and travel should start with "b," too. Finding the easiest way to do some things while overthinking so many others. Read More…

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