Maybe when the kids are older

 “Maybe when the kids are older…”

We tell ourselves that all the time.
When things slow down.
When we have more time.
When we aren’t so tired.

But the truth is this is it.
This is their childhood.
The messy, loud, beautiful chaos of right now.
The nights you’re too tired to play but do anyway.
The mornings that start too early but end in giggles.
The tiny hands, the constant questions, the way they still look for you first.

You don’t get to rewind this season.
You don’t get to try again when they’re grown.

So take the picture.
Hold the hug a little longer.
Say yes to one more story.
Because they don’t get another childhood and you don’t get another chance to live it with them.