09/06/2026
I had imagined my birthday completely different.
Something quiet, perhaps. A spa. Dinner alone with my husband. A few hours in which no one needed anything from me.
Instead, there I was at Disney, between the end of the August heat, with my three littles all 4 and under, and somehow I kept thinking: I would not trade this for anything. Not a chance.
Their hands are still so small in mine. Their joy still arrives without hesitation. Their imagination so big. Their jaw drops at alllllll the magic. Because you know, the castle is really a castle! Mickey is really Mickey. Magic is suddenly really magic, but for me as their mom (and dad).
I watched them all day and felt that strange ache of motherhood ... wanting a moment to last even as it is already passing. It's like my new version of FOMO. And I am hyper aware of it.
They were so happy. We were all so happy.
And I thought to myself, what a beautiful thing... to grow another year older inside this life we have made. To be surrounded by the people, most of whom are quite small, who have managed to fill me so completely.
Maybe this was what I wanted all along.
Day one, Magic Kingdom. 🤍
