Dear 3 Tiny Tyrants,

Here’s one thing I know…endings are really all about beginnings.

Without a doubt, the last few years have been full of amazing firsts - and lasts.

Which is good and bad, I suppose. It’s hard to mourn and rejoice at the same time – but we all do it.

As your mom, I do this constantly. Watching each of you grow is an exceptionally bittersweet experience. From the second you took your first steps (away from my arms), there has been a constant stream of moments that I have claimed to long for but never really, truly wanted to happen.

Yes, the fact that I never seem to have five minutes of quiet in a room without a potty in it works my nerves at times – but in my heart of hearts, I know that the day will come when I’ll be wishing these days were back.

And no matter how hard I wish for it – it won’t happen.

This year in particular has demonstrated to me the fleeting nature of your childhoods. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I returned to work, and am therefore more appreciative of the little things? I am certain that I knew it all along but sometimes a little distance can bring clarity and perspective. I can't sugarcoat it (and trust me, someday you will understand) - parenting can at times be hard, underappreciated and tiring – but believe me when I say that it’s the most spectacular thing I have ever done.

It has been an amazing year of growth for you all in many ways, but the biggest thing that I've realized is that I can see the people you are becoming.

And I am so, so very proud.

I love your spunk – no matter how many times I have to send you to your rooms for it.

I love the way you love each other – even if the sweet moments last 2 seconds and your epic fights over how to pronounce “eleven” last 2 hours.

(Is it “eeeeleven” or “elllleven”? For 2 hours. WHO CARES? You do. It's ok– passion and commitment to your cause will always be acceptable in my book.)

I love your creativity (even if it’s on my walls), your laughter (even if it’s past bedtime), and the way you appreciate music (even if it is Kids Bop 85). I adore you in all of your loud, sticky glory.

There are moments during every day during I get to witness your true spirits shine - and you show me that despite all of my flaws, I must be doing something right.

As any parent knows – trying to put these feelings into words is damn near impossible. But, I do know this: that every moment of every day, I am driven by my love for you. Even when it meant I had to be away, make a difficult choice, or play bad cop. I guess I am determined to have it all…because I want to give it to you.

You can put a smile on my fact on my worst days, and continually provide an infinite source of inspiration for this life. Because of you, I am blessed to live a life that is FULL of love and laughter – and I get to share it all with you.

I only hope that I am able to return the favor.

On this and all days – know that you are loved - beyond any words I could hope to write.

Mommy