I'm turning into such a cliche, guys.

The other day this picture popped up on my FB from 4 years ago.

This was about 6 months before we moved to MI. It just seems crazy that it's been 4 years since this picture. These kids don't look anything like this anymore 😢. It reminded me about all those times people told me "Time flies, cherish the kids while you can" while I rolled my eyes and picked up my tantruming toddler off the ground.

It gave me all the feels because it's so true. My oldest is 8. She doesn't need me to brush her hair, put her shoes on, pick out her clothes, etc. And while having a child with that kind of independence is awesome, it's also a little sad. She needs me just a little less. Now, I know if you're in the thick of it you're thinking "I can't freakin' wait!" just like I did.

It's hard to enjoy and cherish the moments when they drag like turtles in peanut butter. Take solace that these needy years WILL end. Even Avi needs me less. I feel like I'm finally the mom I'm supposed to be for Ari because of all of the trial and error I've had with Bri and Avi. It feels a little unfair but I don't think they'd see it like that. I did the best I could with what I knew and what we had. Now, I know a little more, I'm a little more patient, I let the little things go, I give in a little more because I know, the hard days won't last forever.

Ari is turning into her own little person. It's a mixture of "YES!" and "Aww my last baby 😭" but I can tell you that it's more happiness than sadness. This parenting business is tough. It's exhausting. It's beautiful. It's fun. It's messy. It's loud. It's amazing. It can change from minute to minute. Don't take the time with your kiddos for granted. I know I'm gonna keep trying to remember that!

Thanks for reading!

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