January 23

Since Isaac has his license, he's been driving himself to school, which means that we have less time to interact each day. The increased responsibility and independence are good for him.

But that doesn't mean that I wasn't bummed when, this morning, he bounded down from his room, grabbed a slice of pizza and the car key, said a quick bye, and then headed down the stairs to the garage. In the moments that followed, I stood in silence at the top of the steps, quietly (and sadly) lamenting the reality that my chunky toddler has already become a tall, lanky verging-on-man who doesn't rely on me as much as he used to. I started to feel melancholic.

But then the door to the garage opened, and he bounded back up the stairs and wrapped me up in a big hug. "Love you, mama," he said as he turned again to leave. And this time, he really did go.

I keep saying it because it keeps being true and it's always surprising nonetheless: he's growing up fast (as are Abby and Brady). But I'm thankful that he still comes back inside for hugs and that he still comes and lies on my bed and, in his usual meandering, stream of consciousness style, shares his thoughts (as he was doing in the photo from this evening). It's all a blessing.