Before having my son, I never realized how much it would change me in so many ways. I’m also an early childhood educator, so I had some insights in working with other parents for many years. Nothing really could have prepared me for parenthood. Priorities shift, interests change, relationships change, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

He just turned 6 and I can hardly believe it. I recently found a photo from a year ago and it really hit me how much he’s matured this past year. He’s probably grown a foot, finally lost those little chubby cheeks and two primary teeth, started kindergarten, learned to ride a bike, and is reading!

Sometimes parenthood feels like a blur. You get so caught up in the day-to-day tasks of living life – working, caring for your children that you don’t realize the incremental changes. And then it hits you. Your baby is growing up and becoming more independent. And with each passing year, I realize how much I’ve grown and changed and how much he’s taught me. The lessons aren’t always easy. I’m not always perfect, but I’m so grateful for my little boy who made me a mom. Here’s to the best 6th birthday ever and a fun year ahead full of many more lessons for us both.