July 9

We're in one of those milestone-rich phases of parenthood.

Abby graduated from college. Isaac graduated from high school. And this morning, Brady and I went down to the DMW and he secured his permit. (Which was called a learner's permit when I was a kid. At any rate, it means he can now officially learn how to drive.)

It's rather unnerving to internalize the reality that my baby is now legally allowed to drive a car (or at least he will be after he takes his first behind-the-wheel lesson next week). It makes logical sense of course, since he's 15 1/2 and 15 1/2 year olds are allowed to get permits. It just blows my mind that he's going to be 16 at the end of the year because I can so clearly remember him driving the little cars at LegoLand when we went about 10 years ago. I remember how cautious he was; how he stopped  completely at the stop signs and waited for traffic to clear before making turns, even though most of the other children drove like maniacs. Adam and I mused at the time that he'd grow up to be a good driver but back then it seemed like it would be so long before he'd be driving an actual car... but here we are.

Anyway, since I'm mostly rambling, I'll just say that though I'm shocked by how quickly time is passing, I'm grateful for the milestones. Because watching my kiddos hit each and every one of them is a blessing.