Fourteen and ten. How on earthy did this happen? 

No. Seriously. How?

Because growing up seemed to take eons when I was doing it myself, but now – with these two – it's passing in a heartbeat. And suddenly I've become that stereotypical mom-of-older-kids sighing wistfully at time gone by. I swore I'd never be that mama, yet here I am. 

Savor, friends. Savor every single breath.

Because seriously. Look at them.

His feet are two sizes bigger than my own and every day he explains scientific principles to me that are so confusing all I can do is smile, nod, and say, "Wow. That's interesting!" while I shrivel up a bit inside at how an unschooled 14 year old can know so much more than this mama with a science minor.

And her drawing skills eclipse mine more and more each day, as her strength, confidence, courage, and joy grow ever more contagious and strong.

And though I'm not sure when in the past 14 years it happened, no one needs me all night long. (I say this for the parents of wee ones who are up and down all through the night. They will sleep. I promise. Probably not tonight. But eventually.)

And today these children stand before me with an incredible sense of self – so strong in who they are and what makes them tick.

And I'm just standing by bearing witness to their unfolding. 

And that is how it happened that I turned into the old lady at the grocery store with stars in her eyes telling a frazzled mom – who is still wearing four day-old pajamas and holding a screaming, frothing baby – to "savor every moment". (As she wipes the spit up off her neck, wonders if she'll ever sleep again, and considers punching me in the kidney.)

But it's true, mamas. Once you get over the endless nights or the meltdowns or whatever is hard with your kids, this parenting gig goes way too f***ing fast. 

Somebody hold onto my heart. 

P.S. In case you're wondering, We've been taking these photos each year since Sage was 1. Some day I will scan the first several years and then stare at my babies photos all in one place and cry. Because looking at even just the montage above, I honestly can't make sense of how fast the years unfold.

P.P.S. If you're interested you can see more of the series through the years here.