The changes in motherhood

 The changes in motherhood always feel unexpected even when you know they’re coming.

You know one day they’ll sleep through the night.
You know they won’t need you to tie their shoes forever.
You know the bedtime stories and morning cuddles won’t last forever either.

You know it.
But somehow, it still catches you off guard every time.

It’s the quiet shift from holding their hand everywhere you go, to watching them run ahead without looking back.
From “Mommy, help me” to “I’ve got it.”

You prepare for it. You expect it.
But when those moments actually come, your heart still aches a little.

That’s the bittersweet part of motherhood
watching them grow exactly the way you hoped they would,
while silently missing the versions of them you’ve already said goodbye to.