Spoken two different ways in our household since the arrival of our second child, we have said, “this won’t last forever,” in both exhaustion at the times when Evie or Lilly have been a bit trying, but we have also said it in moments of pure sentimental sweetness, in a calm voice, “this moment of beauty won’t last forever – cherish this moment.”

Being a parent that works full time is no joke. There is so much about compartmentalizing that I have to work on – not allowing the stress or frustration of my day to seep into the happy evenings with the girls and Chad. In turn, I also have to keep my composure as a co-worker asks, “how are your girls?” I get it now – those moms or dads that DO NOT SHUT UP about their children’s newest accomplishments, in minute detail. I could talk about those little girls to a poor co-worker in the break room ALL DAY long. I get a little giddy, drop my tough gal act, and start a diatribe about last night’s bedtime routine, or how Evelyn said a new word with such pride and gusto.

As a parent who is slightly older than the average parent of littles, and one who works a pretty demanding job, I try to focus on this short time when my children are so small – to look on it not with frustration, but with GRATITIUDE, LOVE, and PRIDE. Pretty soon, Evie won’t crawl in bed in the morning and tell us about her dreams with Goober and Bunny. Lilly won’t wake up in her crib and give the biggest, happiest, most loving grin in the world as I pick her up for the morning routine. Evie and Lilly won’t lay on the ground in the living room and roll around being silly together – big sister Evelyn sweetly singing and stroking Lilly’s arms. We hardy get to congratulate Evie anymore with the “pee-pee dance” and high fives in the bathroom – she is already such a big girl. Each day, I see her growing and grasping more of being a girl and less of being a toddler – it is both amazing and bittersweet to watch.

What an honor to get to be a parent. What gratitude and love I feel each day for this esteemed position.

This WON’T last forever…..