I love this. My son is 3 and my daughter is 9 months and it is a bit of a situation over here. At the same time, we are almost certainly done having kids and it makes me sad to think I won't get another baby (I love the baby phase.) It's so helpful to hear that other moms feel that way too, and that it doesn't mean stopping at two kids is the wrong choice. People always talk about wanting to go back to the baby and toddler years which adds to the sadness of seeing the baby days start to turn into toddler days. I love hearing about all the sweet times that are to come... and that it will get easier and less intense. Thanks so much for this!
"A bit of a situation" 🤣 Dani, I took three kids through the airport security last week by myself and didn't even break a sweat. There are plenty of good things ahead!! 😜
My kids are much older but I remember the sweet spot. It felt like time slowed down. I still picture my four kids back in the sweet spot season when I think of them before they became young adults (the baby is now a teenager). Time slowed and then time went on warp speed and here were are, in a few weeks we'll only have one child left in the house. But I will always remember the sweet spot and also hope that there are other types of sweet spots still to come.
What a joy to read. I feel the shimmer of independence coming with my 2.5 and 4 year olds. This summer at the pool was infinitely better than last. And so encouraging to see the beauty of mothers a little bit ahead. And on crocs -- I got some last year to be my house shoes, and I have ZERO regrets!
I love hearing from other moms with kids older than mine (3.5 and 1 year olds). Even though I am currently in an exhausting stage of parenthood, I feel sad to see my last baby turning into a toddler. I am going to miss them being little but it helps to know about all I have to look forward to!
And yes, crocs are best kids’ shoes for summer! We’re going to be buying them every year from here on out!
The Crocs section made me feel a lot better about myself! ;) I was thinking earlier this week when we were talking about outfits to wear in Chicago that I couldn't let all the other ladies in Exhale know that I own Crocs! They aren't attractive, but they are great to wear around the yard/the farm (although not the safest choice, but that's who I am)/chicken coop. I've even caught my husband slipping them on when he goes into the yard quick. I won't be bringing them to Chicago, but I'm happy to know I'm in good company. :)
Stacy, everyone in my family owns a pair of Crocs and I feel like, in addition to not wearing a jumpsuit in Chicago, perhaps I should also pack my Crocs so everyone knows who I really am. Lolol...you're in good company! :)
Yes, about 20 minutes. Is that at the craft house? I'm obsessed but have never been inside 😂 November could be really pretty with the trees, or insanely cold. Kansas is weird.
I just got Phoebe some crocs and she is OBSESSED. They're not cute but also very cute, you know?
Also, have you read The Sweet Spot by Amy Poeppel? It has nothing to do with what you've written here except the title is the same 😂. But I read it last month and really enjoyed it!
Ohhh I loved this so much, Ashlee. All those beautiful stories of being in the sweet spot of motherhood. I am not there yet, but this gives me something to look forward to (especially when I feel like so many people go on about how the "little years go so fast")! I especially loved the vignette about you seeing the baby and feeling longing, but also loving who Presley is becoming. I've been finding myself feeling this same mish mash of emotions lately with my own 4.5 year old. FWIW, I have been wearing Crocs as my "house shoes" (apparently I'm an old woman now) for 2 years and I'm never going back lol.
Thank you for this glimmer of hope on the road up ahead! I have an almost 3 YO and a 1 month old and though there are many sweet moments it is definitely not a sweet spot 😂 It so helpful knowing this is only a season because it both helps me savor the good and rally to get through the bad. Knowing that a sweet spot is on the horizon is so encouraging.
I, too, recently discovered the popularity of Crocs (and how you can apparently wear them with socks??). It was one of the first things I noticed when we arrived back in the States this summer, and I went so far as to Google research it to confirm 😆
Also, when I saw you mention “gathering with dozens of Exhale members,” I was like, “wait...what??” I had a sinking feeling I had missed something, annnnd was low-key devastated when I realized I missed the announcement about the first Exhale retreat 😭💔 I’ve been MIA on pretty much every app while transitioning from Indonesia to the States. But I’m so glad Cakes, Cocktails, and Creativity is actually happening ✨💫 I will miss seeing you all in person!
I have been following Coffee and Crumbs for years and now your writing, and I just want to say: I love the way you write and I get excited everytime something from you pops into my inbox. :) take care and blessings to you and your sweet family.
Love this! Last night my husband and I went to a dinner hosted by our employer, and for the first time, our oldest daughter was the babysitter! It was GLORIOUS! (Except she kept texting about the movie not loading and did they HAVE to take showers? Ha.) I had a pang the other day when I saw a pic of my youngest (now 6) from when she was a few months old, but where we are now is so very lovely.
I can relate to the transition of different, more mature ages! Currently in that myself. I had 5 babies in 5.5 years...the last two were a total, anxiety ridden, spent many hours in therapy, doing my best to just Bob above water situation...now my oldest is 8, my baby is 2.5 and thankfully potty trained. We actually left the house this summer! Went to outside music events, I even socialized with adults. And I tear up a bit thinking “but I miss my babies!” But I also love the extra space I’ve been given....
Definitely was a sweet spot for me when my oldest was in 6th grade. One of the best years!! Teenagers are fun too, just a little more slipping away to independent🙂
I love this. My son is 3 and my daughter is 9 months and it is a bit of a situation over here. At the same time, we are almost certainly done having kids and it makes me sad to think I won't get another baby (I love the baby phase.) It's so helpful to hear that other moms feel that way too, and that it doesn't mean stopping at two kids is the wrong choice. People always talk about wanting to go back to the baby and toddler years which adds to the sadness of seeing the baby days start to turn into toddler days. I love hearing about all the sweet times that are to come... and that it will get easier and less intense. Thanks so much for this!
"A bit of a situation" 🤣 Dani, I took three kids through the airport security last week by myself and didn't even break a sweat. There are plenty of good things ahead!! 😜
My kids are much older but I remember the sweet spot. It felt like time slowed down. I still picture my four kids back in the sweet spot season when I think of them before they became young adults (the baby is now a teenager). Time slowed and then time went on warp speed and here were are, in a few weeks we'll only have one child left in the house. But I will always remember the sweet spot and also hope that there are other types of sweet spots still to come.
Love this, Aimee. Thanks for sharing!
What a joy to read. I feel the shimmer of independence coming with my 2.5 and 4 year olds. This summer at the pool was infinitely better than last. And so encouraging to see the beauty of mothers a little bit ahead. And on crocs -- I got some last year to be my house shoes, and I have ZERO regrets!
I love hearing from other moms with kids older than mine (3.5 and 1 year olds). Even though I am currently in an exhausting stage of parenthood, I feel sad to see my last baby turning into a toddler. I am going to miss them being little but it helps to know about all I have to look forward to!
And yes, crocs are best kids’ shoes for summer! We’re going to be buying them every year from here on out!
I felt the same way about Pres exiting the baby stage ... but watching her at 4.5 is SO fun. I feel less nostalgic and more ... content. ❤️
The Crocs section made me feel a lot better about myself! ;) I was thinking earlier this week when we were talking about outfits to wear in Chicago that I couldn't let all the other ladies in Exhale know that I own Crocs! They aren't attractive, but they are great to wear around the yard/the farm (although not the safest choice, but that's who I am)/chicken coop. I've even caught my husband slipping them on when he goes into the yard quick. I won't be bringing them to Chicago, but I'm happy to know I'm in good company. :)
Oh girl I am 100% going to wear my Crocs en route to Chicago. They are my new airport shoe.
Stacy, everyone in my family owns a pair of Crocs and I feel like, in addition to not wearing a jumpsuit in Chicago, perhaps I should also pack my Crocs so everyone knows who I really am. Lolol...you're in good company! :)
Haha yes!!!
I loved everything about this Ashlee! All potty trained but none have phones 😂😂😂
Mine are 8, 5, and almost 3 so we're not there yet but close.
Also, low key obsessed, what are you coming to Kansas for? I live in the country outside Wichita and no one ever comes here 😊
!!! I am speaking at a little creative retreat in Newton, is that close to you? I have never been! I'll be there the beginning of November.
Yes, about 20 minutes. Is that at the craft house? I'm obsessed but have never been inside 😂 November could be really pretty with the trees, or insanely cold. Kansas is weird.
Yes! I am a California wimp so will probably be staying indoors if it’s snowing 😜
I just got Phoebe some crocs and she is OBSESSED. They're not cute but also very cute, you know?
Also, have you read The Sweet Spot by Amy Poeppel? It has nothing to do with what you've written here except the title is the same 😂. But I read it last month and really enjoyed it!
I read that a while ago and really loved it!!
Kids' crocs are super cute! I don't feel the same way about my size nine Crocs. :)
🤣
I have a Phoebe too! Such a beautiful name and I never hear it. 😊
Ohhh I loved this so much, Ashlee. All those beautiful stories of being in the sweet spot of motherhood. I am not there yet, but this gives me something to look forward to (especially when I feel like so many people go on about how the "little years go so fast")! I especially loved the vignette about you seeing the baby and feeling longing, but also loving who Presley is becoming. I've been finding myself feeling this same mish mash of emotions lately with my own 4.5 year old. FWIW, I have been wearing Crocs as my "house shoes" (apparently I'm an old woman now) for 2 years and I'm never going back lol.
Same ... I wear my Crocs when I clean. WHO AM I.
Thank you for this glimmer of hope on the road up ahead! I have an almost 3 YO and a 1 month old and though there are many sweet moments it is definitely not a sweet spot 😂 It so helpful knowing this is only a season because it both helps me savor the good and rally to get through the bad. Knowing that a sweet spot is on the horizon is so encouraging.
I, too, recently discovered the popularity of Crocs (and how you can apparently wear them with socks??). It was one of the first things I noticed when we arrived back in the States this summer, and I went so far as to Google research it to confirm 😆
Also, when I saw you mention “gathering with dozens of Exhale members,” I was like, “wait...what??” I had a sinking feeling I had missed something, annnnd was low-key devastated when I realized I missed the announcement about the first Exhale retreat 😭💔 I’ve been MIA on pretty much every app while transitioning from Indonesia to the States. But I’m so glad Cakes, Cocktails, and Creativity is actually happening ✨💫 I will miss seeing you all in person!
You can still come!! Email me if you want more details! stacybronec@gmail.com
Whaaaat. Okay, I’ll email you tomorrow!
FRIEND!!! COME!!!! I would love to meet you IRL!
I have been following Coffee and Crumbs for years and now your writing, and I just want to say: I love the way you write and I get excited everytime something from you pops into my inbox. :) take care and blessings to you and your sweet family.
Thank you so much, Merced! Grateful for this encouragement ❤️
Love this! Last night my husband and I went to a dinner hosted by our employer, and for the first time, our oldest daughter was the babysitter! It was GLORIOUS! (Except she kept texting about the movie not loading and did they HAVE to take showers? Ha.) I had a pang the other day when I saw a pic of my youngest (now 6) from when she was a few months old, but where we are now is so very lovely.
Now THAT is a game-changer. did they have to take showers 🤣 (oh this is familiar)
Love it. The hope I need for easier days to come, thanks for sharing.
I can relate to the transition of different, more mature ages! Currently in that myself. I had 5 babies in 5.5 years...the last two were a total, anxiety ridden, spent many hours in therapy, doing my best to just Bob above water situation...now my oldest is 8, my baby is 2.5 and thankfully potty trained. We actually left the house this summer! Went to outside music events, I even socialized with adults. And I tear up a bit thinking “but I miss my babies!” But I also love the extra space I’ve been given....
Definitely was a sweet spot for me when my oldest was in 6th grade. One of the best years!! Teenagers are fun too, just a little more slipping away to independent🙂
I love your stories so much. I often read parts of them to my husband too!
That's so kind, Megan, thank you!