From growing to growing up

As our youngest approaches his 4th birthday, I realized this is the longest we have seen a child grow without another sibling on the way.
Our family is in a transition from growing in size to growing up. Our family is at the right size, but it is also bittersweet to think of no more babies.  But then I realize all the adventures we can now try and enjoy with everyone being older and more independent.
We were at a family camp a few weeks ago and it hit me that keeping track of three kids no longer felt like taking care of three hundred.  Having other kids to play with and parents to help keep an eye out for everyone also made the event more manageable and enjoyable.
Plus, I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited about the dream of everyone in the house being potty trained.
There will always be new challenges, life events, hormonal changes, and new discernments along the way.  But as the kids grow, we will also grow as parents.
For now, we will enjoy that there are still books at bedtime and most of our hugs are embraced and kisses rubbed in instead of rubbed off.
As for the disassembled crib in the basement? I am waiting for discernment on its future home, but it is ok if it isn't upstairs any time soon.

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