17 days left until school is out and 1st Grade will be over, forever.

It seems insane that she was just 1 day old, and now she’s finishing up her second year in school! Last summer she learned to ride a bike AND swim without floaties! She is getting so big, but she is still so very little.

This 7 year old little girl is living her childhood. Right now. With me as her Mom. I am a part of creating this little humans childhood, right now! How freaking scary is that! Last night, she asked me to cuddle with her. I told her I would scratch her back and cuddle her as long as she brushed her teeth and was waiting in bed in the next 10 minutes. She agreed. I scratched her back (and don’t forget the arms I head a million times) and we cuddled for about a half hour. It was quiet but we weren’t asleep. It was still dusk outside. We heard her little sound machine that plays ocean waves + the birds chirping outside. It was so peaceful. And in that moment, I felt God. I felt His blanket of calmness. I felt Him give me the gentle reminder that I am exactly who I am supposed to be as her Mother and that I am Emma’s perfect Mom.

I am grateful for this kid. Who 8 years ago when I was 19 thought I wasn’t going to be able to care for. When in reality, that’s not the plan that God had for us. We care for each other. We make each other better. We are a team. My little mini. I honestly don’t know where I would be without her, but I also don’t care! I was made to be this kids Mom. This spunky, sassy, whacky kid was made to be mine. And I am so happy God had better plans for me than I did.

Yesterday we played Connect4 with my husband Brett, we rode scooters, we stayed outside until 7pm, we ran with the dogs, we screamed because the cat got outside and climbed a tree, we ate dinner together as a family at the table, we talked about our day, we had some tough situations, and we had some deep connections. In a matter of months, she will change again. But right now, I’m soaking up where we are right now. 

Thank You God for my child.

Thank You God for my family.

Thank You God for reminding me that she’s only little once.

Thank You God for reminding me to be present.

Love,

B