This image from last night is a perfect representation of parenthood. 

After months of cleaning out, painting and prepping, we moved all four girls’ belongings to the center of the house in anticipation of the new carpet installed this past Wednesday. All four girls switched rooms, with Aurora moving to the room over the garage leaving Lizzie and Emma to finally have their own bedroom, for the very first time. 

My house looks like the aftermath of a bomb detonation. The girls have been busy organizing and designing their new spaces to reflect their current style and interests. Aurora’s walls are full of friends, Harper’s full of art, and Lizzie and Emma’s full of horses. 

Foolishly, Emmett and I thought we would finally have our primary bedroom to ourselves. Thanks to disagreements over night lights and sleep sounds, Lizzie has occupied a crib mattress on the floor of our bedroom since February. “Finally!” We thought. Finally, the littles will have their own space. 

Instead, we are reminded that children are our greatest teachers. You’ve got a plan. They do not care. 

But just look at them. Look at my beautiful girls snuggled up on the floor right next to me. After tucking Aurora in on the other side of the house Wednesday, it felt like she already had one foot out the door. “It goes so fast.” They say. Perhaps my littles are here to humble me, to slow it down. To cherish these days.