Why Can't I Kick the Craving?

We're here. We're finally here. The day has finally come when traveling with three kids is easy. No diapers. No bottles. Not even sippy cups. Just pack and go with three little people who can walk on to an airplane on their own two feet. Three kids who take their shoes off without being asked in airport security and who countdown and shout "blastoff!" when the plane's wheels finally leave the ground.

This picture was taken during our last trip to New York, in a quiet moment outside of FAO Schwarz. The kids greeted New York with the same thrill their parents did, enthusiastically demanding to visit their favorite restaurants and greeting the skyscrapers like old friends.

It seemed like this day of (relatively) stress-free family travel would never come. But I'm not celebrating. Instead I'm staring at the wrinkled, translucent foot of the infant across the aisle, quietly moved by his frail baby wail. I've forgotten how maddening those cries were at all hours of the night. I'm too busy hungering for that new baby smell, the weight of that tiny defenseless body nestled into mine.

I should listen to the rational me, recognize that life is finally getting easier, and celebrate. I meet so many women who tell me without a moment's hesitation, "I'm done having babies." Why can't I declare our family complete with the same certainty? Why can't I kick those baby cravings?

Wednesdays are a time to use pictures as a writing prompt. Check out the Wordful, Five Minutes Wordless, not so Wordless and Way-back wednesday posts to see how others were inspired today.