Jason’s Facebook brought this photo up as a memory from today. It was taken two years ago on Henry’s first train ride:

I saw it come across J’s feed, and for a second, it took my breath away. The precious little boy in this picture was a baby then, but not any more. Not any more at all. No matter how many times someone says it to you in the early days of parenting, it all goes by a little too fast. No one can prepare your heart for how quickly your children grow.

Today, Eloise brushed her teeth on the stool at the sink, and with her long, curly hair flipped and bouncing behind her, she turned to flash me a look that was straight out of two years from now. Everything about her babyhood flashed away in an instant. Babies really don’t keep.

Here she is with Jason, on the same train on the same day as Henry, two years ago:

Tonight Eloise is a super chatty, super spunky, dancing, singing, running, blossoming, almost two and a half year old, who can tell a whole story on her own without blinking. I don’t know what to do with her but to love her madly, because she is so full of beauty and life.

I’ve never laughed more than I do with these two kiddos, who are growing so fast it could make my head spin. We all got on that train two years ago and haven’t gotten off of it since.

Tomorrow night we will say goodbye to 2015 and welcome in another new year. Next December 30th, I’ll probably be looking back at pictures from today and thinking I can’t believe how much these babies have grown and changed again. They are becoming fiercely independent, outspoken, thoughtful, insightful people who have much to share with the world.

I pray that in 2016 I have the wisdom and discipline to appreciate the moments and opportunities I’m afforded with these little ones at every turn. If I blink, I might just miss my stop.

ready to slow down a bit,

molly madonna