Distorted Mommy Vision

Remember the scene in Father of the Bride where the 22-year old Annie Banks announces her engagement at the dinner table to her surprised father (played by Steve Martin)? The camera cuts to his surprised expression followed by him envisioning a 5-year old girl repeating the same news?

I'm sure I chuckled at it when I first saw this scene 17 years ago. But now??? Oh my, it hits too close to home. We watched this movie as a family a few weeks ago and it made me wonder, "Do I see my kids as babies every time I look at them?" I, too, have to blink often and realize that our girls are growing up more quickly than I imagined!

Here are examples of my "Distorted Mommy Vision" (photos of how I, the sentimental Mommy, see them are on the left) versus "The Reality" (how they really look & act today).


Our firstborn, Verity, in my mind looks like the cute 12-month old on the left ... curious, energetic, giggly. BUT the other day, she had her nose in a chapter book on the couch and I had to do a double-take. When did she blossom into a first grader who loves to read and write stories ... who looks out for her younger sisters ... and who constantly encourages me spiritually?


Our middle daughter, Annalise, often appears to my mind as a cute, smiley 10-month old as shown on the left. The reality is that she is already a big 4-year old preschooler who can stay in character ALL DAY (whether it's as Princess Belle or as the "mommy"). She delights us with her singing ... her ability to care for her sisters ... and her budding curiosity about God.


And our baby, Moriah! Maybe the gap between the two photos isn't as large as the other two sisters' photos BUT when I caught her setting the dinner table the other night (a chore made MUCH easier by these pre-printed princess placemats that shows them where to put things), I realized she is not a baby anymore. She is our preschool-attending, table-setting, big-talking (almost) 3 year old.

All this to say, I am enjoying this season of life. I think some people truly fail to live - they are either living in regret about the past or in anxiety about the future. In doing so, they fail to thrive in the present. I have been guilty of this countless times. But I am learning my lesson - savor each season God allows us to enjoy. And these girls are a constant source of joy to us, regardless of age! =)