And just like that, he turned 3.

Yesterday was my third child’s birthday. This beautiful boy has turned my life upside down in the most positive way.

14 years ago, as I awaited motherhood for the first time, I thought I had it all right. I thought I knew exactly how I wanted to parent my babies. I thought I knew everything there was to know about children…

What I didn’t realize is that as time passes, everyone grows and changes in their thinking (hey, I WAS only 21.)

So when my little guy arrived just 3 short years ago, it was like a new start. My mind was/is wired differently. Motherhood was a new journey yet again and like I said before, my world was flipped upside down. It was like I had to figure things out all over again. Luckily, he’s been teaching me so much along the way… I think we make a great mom/son team! I hope I can continue to grow and learn as a mother so that all my children can benefit from my personal trials and errors.

So coming back to his birthday… It was hard. I realize that he’s quickly morphing into a preschooler and while its overwhelmingly joyous, it hurts. Why? Because I have two big boys to remind me that in the blink of an eye, they go from 4 year-olds to 14 year olds. Words get clearer, baby teeth start falling, books become novels, and then they start talking about driving and future college options.

The next time I’m rushing through my day, I think I’ll try to remember that this three year old will only be three for 364 more days.

:::sigh:::

I love you Ben! Happy birthday sweet baby. Always stay true to yourself. You are a mighty little guy who I KNOW will one day be an amazing adult.

~Norm