growing up

Life

Motherhood is: Wishing I could pause time and keep you this small just a little bit longer

I don't want you to grow up.

Life

True life: I will miss these middle-of-the-night wake-ups, my baby

As much as I don't love the exhaustion that comes with these hour-and-a-half middle-of-the-night wake-ups over the past couple of weeks—it is our time.

Life

To moms on the first day of kindergarten: They still need us

As a mom in this stage of life, it's easy to feel like our kids don't really need us anymore.

Life

Before you start kindergarten—here’s what I want you to know, baby

Some days will be full of wonder. Some days will be hard. Let the good days fuel your passion for learning but don't let the tough ones take the fun out of it.

Life

To my baby: This is the last summer you’ll be this little

Weren't we just transitioning you from the bassinet to this crib just yesterday? How is it time for a big boy bed already?

Life

Throwing away our stroller, I realized: I don’t have babies anymore

It was my faithful friend since the day my first baby was born.

Life

True life: Parenting just keeps getting better

Parenting a teenager is like getting an exclusive preview of the adult this child is going to be.

Life

I want to cherish the hard moments of motherhood, too

I am going to look for the light, even when it seems like its mostly darkness because, as I've learned, its never "easy" to be a mother—no matter the stage.

Life

My baby: I know you’ll leave one day, but can you promise to always need me (just a little)?

Before we know it, you'll be the hero you need, not me.

Life

I never thought my baby would grow up, but he did

Where did he go? You know, the baby I grew inside my belly, brought home from the hospital and will never see again?

Life

To my child: Watching you learn to read is a true gift

I am watching a universe open up before you.

Life

Motherhood is: Raising them to be independent no matter how hard it will be to let go

I will count it as a success of motherhood when you are able to leave me and find your own path—without my hand to hold. (Though it will always, always be here if you need it.)