Ava is 9. What does that mean for her? She is reading BIG books and having sleepovers. She can run around the block by herself (with regular check-ins). She is building entire Lego kingdoms. She starts her homework by herself and has funny grown-up teeth mixed in with the babies. She has strong opinions about her wardrobe, feeds the dogs, teaches her brother to read, loves to eavesdrop on adult conversations, eats A LOT, and all kinds of other big girl things. She’s smart, sweet, and amazing. It’s been so magical and rewarding sharing a life with this little girl.
What does 9 mean for me? It means I’ve been a mother for 9 years, and I’m realizing it also means that I’m halfway to 18…… that big arbitrary number that means my baby is an adult. When I stop to think about this, my heart sinks. They don’t go back to being our little ones. They just keep getting bigger until they’re grown. So, I try not to stop and think about this too much. Instead, I’m letting that sinking feeling remind me to enjoy the moments I have. I’m remembering to stop and watch, to listen, to play, to savor and relish. I’m trying to stop being too busy for big hugs and snuggles, to answer silly questions and watch the new trampoline trick 15 times in a row. Is there anything else we will ever encounter in life more worthy of these investments?
Happy Birthday, Ava, and thank you for helping me remember what I value most and how to get it.
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