Maddie’s 4 is like anyone else’s 12. This has been one of those mornings. The arguing and talking back started before we’d even gotten out of bed. 

By the time I had a second coffee, I was exhausted. Arguing with my preschooler is the most exhausting thing.

So I started looking at photos of her from the last four years.

Boy, was she cute.

And boy, did I love her.

And you know what?

She still is.

And I still do. 

And I always will. 

These years are rough. But I think they can be rough and wonderful at the same time. Sometimes I feel as though I’ve cracked that code and am living my best mom life. Sometimes, like this morning, I don’t feel that way at all. 

I’ll keep working on it. And I’ll have another coffee or two.