I am in my 70's. Every age in my kids lives has been special. I have two boys age 48 and 46. What has been wonderful in this season of life is to see the kind of people they have become. They are good men. I am often caught off guard when their actions show how kind ,generous and thoughtful they are. Each season of our children's lives have its rewards. Yes savor every moment❤
At 72, right there with you. Our son just called to see if we want to join his fiancé and all for cookout tomorrow. Love this season of life. Always said I just want our kids to be happy, healthy and God willing, self sufficient. It’s been a different journey for birth, but both are there. Now we get to enjoy these wonderful adults and our grandchildren. It is truly the best blessing along with good health.❤
I’m almost 71 and now have 3 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren ranging from 24, 22, 8 and 2 and we now babysit our youngest granddaughter and I find myself crying watching how fast she’s growing and learning…I too absolutely savor every small moment…it’s wonderful watching them grow but also bittersweet knowing we won’t be here to witness our little one’s big milestones (graduation, weddings, childbirths). You’re an awesome mama Jess…nothing wrong with being emotional-I always was and still am. Also seeing my husband turning into a big marshmallow at the sight of our grandkids just melts my heart! Life is good-God is good…we are blessed and thankful❤❤❤🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Nobody tells you that the hardest part of parenting is the art of letting go. Letting go of the control you have over their lives, so they can go and make their own mistakes, letting go of the perfect moments of each stage, to get the next part, letting go of expectations, ... it's a life long lesson in letting go. And for a control freak, it's the scariest thing in the world.
Jess sobbing over her kids growing up is so relatable. Mine are finishing up 1st and 3rd grade right now and it’s so bittersweet. Don’t think I’ll ever get over it 😭. Hugs to any other parents going through that emotional rollercoaster 🫂
Hey Jess, I have a 13 year old and a 16 year old girls. This coming year they will be together in high school. They are the sweetest girls. My husband and I recently had a moment watching my youngest at her awards ceremony. Seeing her smile and walking up took us back to when she was in pre school. It’s crazy how much time flies. Cherish every moment, cry if you have too. That just means you love your babies. It doesn’t get easier. But in my eyes no matter how old they currently are they are still my babies. You are not alone. I teared up with you! God bless! ❤
It truly never changes. I'm almost 36 and my parents are my friends but in some situations I'm still the little girl. I know I'll be always daddy's little princess and he will be my hero.
I blubber ALL the time.......we are not promised tomorrow so it's important to cherish every moment with your family. My son is 30 and my granddaughter is 2. I am turning 62 in a couple months and I will be retiring from my job of 43 years. I want to soak up EVERY waking moment that I can with these two loves of my life. When I'm no longer around, I want them to ALWAYS know...how VERY much I loved them and that nothing else matters. I love your channel Jess and your family! God Bless You always.
Seeing your kids growing up is INFINITELY BETTER than not seeing them grow up. I’m a bereaved parent with two living kids, one of them is about Genevieve’s age. I watch my little kids grow up when their big sister never got to…and seeing my two living children grow is the greatest privilege of my life, one that not all of us get. Feel how you feel about them growing up and time passing, but I will say that however hard you feel it is, it’s the most beautiful and magical thing in the world.
Not a favorite recipe but a favorite concept that has changed my life. Ingredient prep rather than meal prep. Taking a couple hours that I would normally use to prepare a meal in advance to prepare chopped fruits, veggies, sauces, and dressings in advance. Then, on busy weeknights, I can throw everything together in 15 minutes with no time wasted chopping and prepping. It’s been a major life changer and there are a ton of people on Tik Tok and Inst sharing their ingredient prep strategy.
Tip on the binder! I had the same problem. I put the tab divider into a sheet protector and cut a slit for the tab to pop out! Now I can see the divider in the binder!
As a mom feeling emotional while watching your babies grow is totally normal! I’m about to have my 4th baby and my oldest is almost 24. Take in each moment and enjoy every second. ❤ love your family and your videos
Cry all you want, time has been flying by, I’m 70 and it seems like just yesterday that we had retired, you and Tyler have the best gift, all the videos you have of your girls growing up that you will be able to look back on when they are all grown up and share with them. Wish I would have had that back in the day, all I have are memories in my head but I do have tons of photos of my grandson, I made him a video one day for his birthday with photos I had of him from a baby to where he is now, he loved it. He’s soon to be 21, time goes by so fast, cherish them.❤❤❤
You are aware and thinking of time with kids ❤ I lost my son and now all the time I took time to cherish and enjoy are SO important to look back on. And now with a grandson I get to cherish and enjoy again. Love and family is everything ❤
My two cents…love all their stages! Cry, laugh, love, forgive and hug them every single day. My kids are 22 and 21 and I make sure I say I love you and we hug every time we are together! ❤️❤️❤️
You cry all you want. The time does go by so quickly, and you need to cherish it all . Tell them you love them, give them the hug they cringe at. We just married our first child off and I just kept looking at her remembering her childhood and wondering where that time went.💕so you just keep crying and cherishing those girls.
I totally relate to 22:39. My baby is 4 months. I had postpartum depression the first 3 months. I was in straight survival mode and honestly feel like I “missed “ out on things (no baby book, no newborn professional photos, not even a selfie of me and him because I didn’t like myself.) It’s crazy no matter what age kids are, every one feels the same way
Aw Jess this was an emotional one! My baby is now 22 and I would love to say those milestones through their life get easier on us as parents, but they honestly don’t. At times, especially when they are younger and you’re sleep deprived, you wish those hours away. But, when they are gone that’s it. I have wished to turn back the clock so many times to those days again. Cherish them all. They are fleeting. Much love to you and the family xx ❤
Jess, I am 72 years young and without a doubt, my favorite “job” was being a mom to my children. So much so that I also worked in Kndg & 1st grade for 13 years. People always tell you how fast it all goes while your smack in the middle of no sleep, picky eaters, contrary teens, etc. I have learned that each season has its ups and downs, but seasons pass too quickly. Now they are both in their 40’s and we are blessed to all really like each other and have such good times. So the seasons change, the memories continue and being a mom is a real blessing. Also, my husband and I have been together over 54 years, and remain each others best friend. Nurture that and the future really is golden. Enjoy the graduation.❤🌻
Girl cryyy!! I cry at every single graduation my kids have and every performance they have!! It’s exactly what you said. So many emotions and wanting to soak it all in and live in it while simultaneously, knowing it is slipping through your fingers.
Jess I started bawling listening to you talk about Gigi growing up. My oldest also just graduated preschool, and due to some delayed flights and missed connections, I got stranded overnight and missed her preschool graduation. I still can’t think about it without breaking down in tears. I relate to everything you said. So many emotions about raising these tiny people-and they seem to build until they burst because on a day to day basis we are mostly surviving. Then all of a sudden the passage of time hits us like a truck.
Not just you! I was absolutely choked up at the preschool concert last week, feeling exactly the same way! All I do is take a deep breath and say a thank you that I am there, smiling and cheering her on. She sees me there, and file it as a core memory. Love can be so filling sometimes.
I LOVE undated planners! I love that I can use it for a week or two and if I miss a few weeks or whatever, I can just pick it back up and no pages are wasted! I’ve been using an undated one by Avery that I bought on Amazon and I love it!
We have two boys, 15 and 14… it is so heartbreaking to realize they are ao grown and close to leaving our home. We are so very proud of them coming into their own, but, as their mommy I will never be ready. We welcomed our prayed for baby girl 4 months ago, she is such a love. I cry all the time watching her get bigger every day knowing I will blink and she will be grown up like our boys. The need to soak it up is insatiable, it is true that babies don’t keep. Love on them like you do and don’t let mourning the stages that have passed take away from the joys of the new evolutions. I feel you girl!
Oh girl! Every stage is heart tugging. However, I just watched my oldest graduate and I will say it was one of the happiest moments of my life with him. He is so ready to move on to the next phase of his life that it makes me so thrilled for him to be done with this one. That all to say that every “last” we experienced this year I was a messy puddle of tears in the corner with the phone held high recording it all. He’s a wrestler as his brother and their last time warming up todether I cried like a baby. Little moments like that leading up to it. But then by graduation, I had no tears left and knew how excited he was for college. That makes it so worth it. Plus, as they get older, getting compliments on the human they are becoming makes your parent heart settle. It’s almost like a hug you keep. Knowing you’re preparing them for the real world.
Jess I’ve never loved you more!! You literally just had me balling my eyes out while cooking dinner.. so well said. It feels like you can never soak those moments in enough and wish you could freeze time 🩷 I’m so happy you shared that moment, it’s SO real!! On another note, Brooklinen is the best of the best and I love every sponsorship you do, there is nobody i trust more…. Now i need the linen set!!!
My daughters are 23 and 25 and I cannot describe to you the joy of seeing them enter their young adult lives, and becoming fabulous human beings! An added bonus is the adult friendship you gain with them. Every stage of your childs life is to be cherished, and I promise you will continue to experience the joys of your special relationship with them as time goes by. PS it’s totally ok to be emotional about their milestones!
My youngest is 28 and I long for those days sometimes but each stage as they get older has its own rewards. To see the amazing people they’ve become is wonderful.
It doesn't get easier with your babies growing up. My first baby just graduated 8th grade and I was an emotional hot mess! Sending love to you mama! You're doing great ! It's ok to be sad in these moments of growth and greatness . They will forever be your babies
I have two kiddos, 25 and 24. My daughter (25) moved out this past December and my son just moved out this weekend. It is very emotional, but it is a good thing too. I love seeing them grow into the beautiful young adults that they are. My son being gone is still very new and I don't think it has officially sunk in, but I'm happy, so very happy for him. He's wanted this for so long and did an amazing job saving for his first house. Again, so bittersweet. Much love as you navigate your journey. ENJOY!!
My only child graduated high school this year. The whole time we sat through the ceremony, I had that same feeling. It’s like you’re there but it doesn’t feel real or possible at all. It’s like being in a dream. It’s so heartbreaking and you’re bursting with excitement and pride at the same time. It’s so surreal.
I have a 5 and 2 year old and my 5 year old also graduated PreK this week. I cried and smiled and cried some more. My iPhone constantly shows me reminders of her as a baby and it just makes me miss that stage. But I absolutely love this age she’s at and how brilliant she is. I am excited to share more things with her and her sister as they age. But I am just like you and totally can relate. Congrats! 🎊
Oh Mama it goes by sooo fast! Cherish every moment! Unfortunately I lost my oldest daughter at 32 and I would give anything to be back when she was my little and enjoy her once again! There is nothing we can do but love them unconditionally and enjoy this all too short part of their lives
Jessica, I totally understand your feeling of how to know when you are in a moment and feel in that moment. I have 5 kids (oldest is 13, youngest is 6) and it feels like it is just flying by me. A month ago I lost my Mom suddenly (I'm 39) and started crying when you said that you needed to call your Mom to ask her what to do about a recipe. I lost it. I can't call my Mom when I have a question ever again and it a soul-tearing feeling. Just thank God for all the small moments because they all amount to the biggest moments we have. Hug your babies and your Mama.
I use the app Plan to Eat on my phone and on my computer to meal plan, make grocery lists, and organize recipes. I love it! It has so much functionality and they have so many guides to help you maximize what they offer. It has saved so much time over the years that I have used it. Now that my 2 daughters and son have their own homes, I gift them a subscription every Christmas so they have access to our own family recipes, can stay more organized, and share new recipes with me! As a mother with grown children, my advice is to enjoy every second you get. I still say my favorite age of my children was whatever age they were. I miss my "babies" but I have grandchildren now and it is SOOO much fun to spend time and take vacations with my adult children. You are correct...there is always a silver lining!
Watched you for years, but first time commenting. Hugs to you 💖 My emotional moment was during our last Disney trip and my 13 and 11 year olds seeing the princesses. It made me so teary eyes seeing how much they use to be in awe of the experience and the magic when they see so little and now are so grown. Jessica, thank you to you and Tyler sharing your life and family with all of us. Always here for the advice and sister chats 💖
The emotions never get easy. I've got 4 kids, and man its BRUTAL! I have really really struggled going through all of the "last firsts" with my youngest and it tears my momma heart to shreds. Also, I cry like a baby at the end of each school year, so you def aren't the only one momma ❤️❤️ It's so bittersweet to watch these babies grow into themselves
I’m 100% with you on the kids growing! Mine are 6 and 2 and I relate so much to all of your parenting. But my son graduated kindergarten this year and I’ll sit and cry realizing how big he’s getting. I worry we’re not doing enough fun stuff or making the best memories and I always think I could be doing better. But then he’ll say things that makes me realize he’s loving his little life. It’s just so hard to see the time pass and know it won’t always be this way. But also I love him becoming my little side kick more and more. No answers but I get it!
I literally just got home from spending a week with my son, his fiance and my 1st grandson and I sobbed the entire 16 hr ride home. All i could think holding my newborn grandson was how I will never get to hold him as a newborn ever again. Next time I see him it could be 6 months to 1 yr and that tiny newborn baby will be older. I am still crying as I type this. I just did my best to soak it all up but even as we drove away all I wanted was "one more day" just like all I ever wanted since my son grew up is one more day with him as a baby. All that to say it doesn't get easier lol watching MY baby become a dad was in itself emotional. Then leaving them all behind was Hella emotional ❤
I can relate I live 650 miles from my family and that just happened with my niece. I know every time I leave, she'll be so much more grown-up every time I see her. I cry the entire time home too. Your comment really resonated with me!! Hugs my friend.
A friend told me “the days are long, but the years are short” while I was pregnant. My baby’s first birthday is next week and I’m trying hard to be in the moment. I’m excited to see the little person she is becoming, while also remembering each milestone and how small she was when she came into this world. I’m sure I’ll have quite a few tears before her party and many more in the coming years. I FEEL what you are feeling. It’s normal and beautiful to have deep emotions about your baby growing up. I cried with you as you talked through that vulnerable moment. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I love the sounds of Pinocchio drinking water and him sleeping on pillows behind you. He is so adorable. ❤☺️ definately adds a lovely character to your videos. You are a wonderful wholesome mum, continue to take everything in
Hi Jess. Such a great video. You talking about how fast the kids grow up is something I’ve been struggling with, only my kids are grown- 30 & 24. Our first daughter was married last September and this coming February our second is getting married. I swear last year they both lived at home and were school age and needed us for so much, and then I closed my eyes and they’ll both be wives in a few short months. Truth is, time doesn’t slow down and as a mom it’s hard because we will always be their mom, but they don’t need us the same once they grow. My mom warned during the difficult stages of teething and colic etc that the days are long but the years are short and I’ve never heard any truer words. My advice is just to be in the moment and take lots of photos and videos (how lucky for this generation to have video at our fingertips) and enjoy every stage. These are the days. Xoxo
Oh you had me crying! Mine are 29 and 20 and you will still think about them being small and you will tear up bc you miss it. It’s so hard some days when they are small and it seems to take forever and then they are grown and on their own. The beautiful part is when they do fly the nest and you look them and are so proud of who they are, you know you did your job well. And trust me they still come to you with the silly stuff bc you are their mom. As an empty nester now, trust me, once you adjust… it’s pretty great too lol ❤❤
I’m SO with you on how fast time goes. My daughter just graduated high school and I’m looking back at photos of her graduating preschool and kindergarten and how it literally feels like yesterday. It is so bittersweet 😢 life is so precious - Enjoy every moment!! I love the idea of a short video with each first day of school photo because you will miss hearing her little voice at that age 🥰🥰
I always love watching your videos - just hearing you chat about makeup, food, life etc. like a friend. This video really got to me when you started talking about how quickly time goes by with kids. My son is 6 months old and I’m starting to feel the same way - I so badly want to absorb these days and sometimes it feels like our days are moving so quickly and can’t slow down and really take it in. I appreciate you being vulnerable and real - it really touched my heart!! You’re amazing!
Every day is a treasure in the parent world! I promise all stages of your kid's life will be special in its own unique way! Crying now and then just confirms your knowledge of how blessed you are ❤
😎😎😎 parenting is such a weird and wonderful journey! You will be equally sad your kids are growing up but also happy you get to see them grow up. It goes so fast! Mine are 10 and 12 and I gush over time hop every day. I remember when my hubby and I were finally at the time when our kids no longer needed us in the pool with them because they were fine swimming and that was life changing as a parent. I've been homeschooling my two kids for the past seven years and I'm thankful I've gotten to witness every lightbulb moment, bandage up every hurt knee. Soak up every stage Jess! ♥️
I think you must be starting to realize or possibly you realized it for quite a while now, but…… You quite literally are making your living just talking to us and sharing your life with us, which brings peace and happiness and a calm to all of us. What a beautiful gift you have!☺️❤️❤️✨🙏🏻✨
Omg, I can so relate to your feeling so emotional. Happened to me at every stage. The gift is that you recognize and appreciate it, even though these are such busy times for you. 🤗💕
14:11 I use a combo of cookbooks and online or recipe cards. If you have an air fryer you should cube and cook your tofu in there. Super easy and good!
Just got up, drinkin my coffee, and you upload is perfection. Great way to start the day 😊 I have my recipe binder and ETSY FOR THE WIN on the perfect tabs for any category you may need 😀
I have twin boys 20 and in college. I had these moments just like you. It’s not silly. I love seeing other parents feel the same way I do. Tyler is right their will be tons of silver linings. The moments pass and one day you have a library full of memories that no longer make you sad but enrich your life instead. You are good. Everything will be alright.
I don’t have children but I have noticed having that feeling of where is the time going whenever I see my friend’s kids and how much they have grown! And 🕶️ 🕶️ 🕶️! 🥰
You're not wrong for being emotional in these moments! Soak them up the best way you know how but be at peace with the passing of time because it moves on regardless. The days are long but the years are short....so smile, give all the hugs & take all the photos & cry all the tears for your family. That's what it's all about. Big hugs from far away. 🥹🩷
I’ve been a mom to my step-daughter since she was just turning 2 and now she’s about to be 15, and boy does it go fast! I obviously love her unconditionally at any developmental stage but I do miss when she was little and things were simpler and she still thought we were cool and wanted to hang out with us! Honestly though now that we’re in the teen years (little kids are more physically exhausting and teens are psychologically exhausting) we’re ready for her to finish growing up already because this phase can be TOUGH haha. Also, you’re totally right about videos, they’re so much more fun to look back on than pictures when they get older!
This is perfectly said! Hang in there the teen years can be so so rough but its so fun to hang out with them when they are adults and can better understand some of the thing that happened. I Love having family time with my grown up kids!
You made me cry too 😓 You described it perfectly, feeling like you're trying to soak up the moment while also feeling like you're looking back on it from a future stance. My oldest is turning 8 in a few weeks, and my husband made me realize that next year is his last single digit birthday and half way point to 18. My husband sustained a few injuries but overall he's expected to recover.
My daughter is 20 and I totally get how you feel, it's so good seeing them grow up but also sad because that chapter is gone. I love how real you were in this video just shows that us mums are all the same when our children get older. Xxx
So many hugs to you! Thank you for sharing your rawness- I think i cried like this in my shower so no one saw it, but you are nailing every point of where you “are” spot on. Mine are 21 & 19 now and, yes the silver linings are there, but I reflect on the littleness of them often because it reminds me of what a blessing it is to watch them grow, even into adulthood. Think of it like this, you & Tyler have a front row seat to the BEST show ever. You will have so many more of these moments, promise! ❤ 23:43
Aww, enjoy all the moments. My daughter just graduated from college last month and I still can’t believe it. Time is a thief!! Take care and continue to make great memories!!
My child is 29, born a boy, now transitioning to female. Sometimes things do not turn out how you thought they will. My husband and I are so proud of our adult child for their courage & strength they have to become who they need to be. We had many years of stress and heartache watching our child struggle and suffer not knowing what they were dealing with. All is good now thank goodness. Each year is precious and yes time flies. Eventually they leave the nest, they have their journey in life, and you and Tyler have yours. You will be ready for it when the time comes. Until then, enjoy each year, so precious.
im so sorry im in that part of video where you are crying and i have a 5 and 6 years old and i cant help but burst into tears, I can imagine what your trying to say and as a parent I wish i can just freeze the moment and hold onto that young and innocent phase of their life. Our kids our growing so fast so lets enjoy every bit of it❤❤❤
I'm living in the same boat with two young boys, a 10yo and a 6yo. I was telling my husband the other night that we are living in the prayer we prayed for! It's a magical, heartbreaking, glorifying journey we are on and I'm embracing both the highs and lows of each moment! You aren't alone sis ❤
Hi Jessica . I’m a new subscriber and I wish I’d found you years ago. I’m 68 and live in Northern England but I relate to you in lots of ways. I’m an avid reader, deep thinker, love make up and I have a 40 year old son who lives in Texas. He went to the US to work initially for 3 months and stayed ! He and I are so close despite the distance. I live alone and he is so caring. I see him as a wonderful son, husband and father and know I did a good job raising him. I still cry every time I look at photos of his life stages and can’t believe where the years have gone. I miss him so much but I taught him to spread his wings and go out into the world. He’s done exactly that and I’m so proud of him. Make the most of every day with your family…we will always have our memories no matter all the changes in the world. Really enjoy your channel .xxx
Oh, Jessie! I knew exactly where you were going when you mentioned the office and Genevieve graduating pre k. I reference that Andy Bernard quote often with my kids. It's so bittersweet to watch them grow and learn and change. What a blessing to be a momma! ❤❤
I have a 14 and 11 year old, and time just continues to fly. I love seeing them become these amazing humans, but man, I sure will miss them when they are not in my home anymore!
Jessica I know you probably won't see this but thank you for sharing your thoughts about kids growing up. I really needed it today. Had a rough morning with my young kids today and your video has shifted my mindset to one of gratitude for these sweet little humans I get to call mine. My oldest just graduated kindergarten and it had me thinking about how fast high school graduation is going to come up and I was not okay 😭 being a mom is such a bittersweet thing. Beautiful and messy, so happy and so gut - wrenching all at once. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing ❤️
Awe Jess! I love you! My son just graduated preschool too and I cried like a baby. He just had his last day of vacation bible school and I just cried and cried while they all sang. I was looking around thinking “am I the only mom crying?!” But the more I thought about it the more I just told myself to relish this moment. I love my kids more than anything in the whole world and I wish I could just freeze time to enjoy these days more! The girls are blessed to have you as their mama ❤️ Your love for them shows and they know that! ❤
Crying with you thinking about my almost 6 month old baby boy. I feel you. You’ve been a lovely guide for approaching parenthood and I appreciate your moment of realness.😊
And I totally get the being in the moment feeling! I self tell myself to take it all in and savor it and your right it’s totally like your “out of body” experiencing it. My kids are grown, my daughter is 36 and my son is 38. We have 3 grand kids. The saying is so true… the nights are long but the years are short! It’s a blink of an eye for sure. Enjoy your babies at every stage! 🤗
Yup I feel u my darling❤. I'm 49 & our boys are now 19 & 15 & graduated the same year(grade 8 & 12).where did the time go!!! U don't realize until u look back or look at the pics & then ur like holly.....back in the day it was so hard to go for a simple diner without kids(no family around) 😂& now we take them with us & celebrate our anniversary together. So every age & era has its own bitter sweet moments. Simply enjoy every moment & try to enjoy them as much as u can. Life is beautiful ❤❤
Enjoy every single second good and bad. My babies are 29, 24, 20 and 17. I remember being pregnant and it’s so scary how fast it went. So when you have a day that’s so stressful just please appreciate it.
Accepting your kids growing up never gets any easier🥲 My son is 34 and I still get emotional. Every year and every change they go through, every challenge and every heartache, I still feel. Enjoy every stage but always remember there will be so many more to come❤️
My daughter just “graduated” from the 8th grade and I cried through the whole ceremony. So watching your kids grow never gets easier lol. When they are newborns and it’s 2am and they won’t go back to sleep, it feels like time is dragging on. But then you blink and they are (nearly) grown. They are such sweet but bittersweet moments.
I am 47. I have three daughters 19, 17, and 10. I never really have a hard time with them growing up because I am just excited to experience the next thing with them. They aren’t going anywhere (well they are physically when they leave for college). I talked to my daughter on text and FaceTime pretty much every day at some point when she was at college. And now she’s back for the summer. But I’ve never really felt a sense of loss with her leaving for college. Yes when we moved her into her dorm and drove away, I had tears but they were happy tears. You just want your kids to be happy and it becomes less about you and more about them enjoying their life. And going off to college, having friends,, getting married, babies, jobs, or whatever life brings them, you’ll be right there with them. They’ll always be your child!
Just live in the moment and create wonderful memories. Being a parent is hard because we spend so many years guiding our children and preparing them to be without us. Every stage - daycare, first day of school, graduation, college - it's all about letting go bit by bit. If we do it right they visit, call and share their adult lives with us. My girls are in their 30's and my youngest just had her first child and my first grandchild. Now I get to spend 2 days a week with him and am so grateful to be able to experience this time with him and with my daughter.
Hi Jess, I was not a bawling mess at my first born’s preschool graduation but I was a bawling mess a week ago at his 5th grade graduation…It all hit me the morning of and I couldn’t understand why I was so emotional. I couldn’t believe elementary years were gone and he is going to be a middle schooler…I completely understood what you were saying about the desperation we feel as parents in soaking it up all the precious moments but feeling like we don’t have enough time..❤️
Aww, sweetie, we have 4 kids and 11 grands and I wish I could tell you that you’ll stop having the bawling moments but I still look at photos at them at every age and missed them at that moment still! They are all y’all’s age, now. I cried at the grands graduation! They are growing up too fast! My husband and I try to travel but I even miss them everywhere! It’s way easier on the husband. He sounds like Tyler! They will always be your babies!
I’m behind on catching up with yalls lives as my first child just hit his 1st bday on October 17th. ‘How does time seem to go by so fast and so slow at the same time?’ Is something I repeatedly said during my third trimester of pregnancy and I’ve said numerous times throughout this first year of my sons life. I cried during that portion of the video. I feel those same feelings. It’s gut wrenching. I hope it gets easier as time goes. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. A true example of bittersweet. Friends with older children tell me that the days are long but the years are short. Just trying to enjoy every single second. Although this is an older video now and you likely won’t see the comment I’m sending you all the mama love and support for now and in the future 💗.
For me it doesn’t get easier. I’m crying with you and my kids are 27 and 30. Every milestone they’ve hit I get the waterworks. It does go by fast. Cherish every moment. Life is short. 🙏🏼❤️
I am putting things together to make a scrapbook of Kindergarten, as I watch your video. I can definitely relate. I also got weepy at Kinder graduation. It’s so hard to see their little faces changing and time going so fast. You are so not alone! ❤
I cried with you. I think about stuff like this. I have 18 16 and 7, and time goes by so fast. Everything you said makes so much sense. I cry all the time with special moments or just when I think about them getting older .
I’m late so you may not see this, but you made me bawl my eyes out! Since kids, time has flown by so unbelievably fast and every day I look at them and see how much they are constantly growing. My little one was in pre-k for two years and I cried for both! And they did a small awards day for the rest of the school and after each class, they would “welcome” them to the next class. I completely lost it when (for my older baby) they said “congratulations first grade, welcome to second grade!” I’ve been wondering how people do it! How do our parents see us as adults and having kids and not cry constantly?!
I'm in my mid 30s and I have 3 boys (11,5,3), there are days when I get emotional too. Like how did they get so big, or they say and do the cutest things.I definitely am trying to soak it all in and let them know how much I love them everyday. I feel ya.
I had my first two kids really young my oldest son is 21 now when he graduated high school i couldn’t stop crying because we grew up together he was the first person i felt true love for ❤ i also have a 5 year old son lol now i am 39 so its quite different now.. I try to enjoy every little moment with him :)
Oh Jess I get it! The days are long but the years are brief! It flies so fast. With one out of high school and 2 more in high school it still amazes how quickly time has flown. Babies growing is hard on Mommas but wonderful and rewarding as well. 🥰
Awe..it’s a roller coaster ride for sure. Enjoy the crazy young years which turns into the crazy teenage years which turns into the adult years which they become more fun to be with doing adult things together. My daughter is pregnant with my first grandchild and I’m so excited because I get to relive those years again as a grandma. Just enjoy every crazy, happy, sad, emotional day and make memories 😊
Get 15% off your first Brooklinen order! Just click here: bit.ly/JessicaBraun_BrooklinenJun24 This video is kindly sponsored by Brooklinen
I am not sure if you will see this, but you can buy the tabs for dividers. They attach to anything.
What an amazing and wonderful idea for the videos and pictures.
I am in my 70's. Every age in my kids lives has been special. I have two boys age 48 and 46. What has been wonderful in this season of life is to see the kind of people they have become. They are good men. I am often caught off guard when their actions show how kind ,generous and thoughtful they are. Each season of our children's lives have its rewards. Yes savor every moment❤
You are so blessed❤
Ok this made me tear up🥺
Thank you for this. So beautiful.
At 72, right there with you. Our son just called to see if we want to join his fiancé and all for cookout tomorrow. Love this season of life. Always said I just want our kids to be happy, healthy and God willing, self sufficient. It’s been a different journey for birth, but both are there. Now we get to enjoy these wonderful adults and our grandchildren. It is truly the best blessing along with good health.❤
I’m almost 71 and now have 3 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren ranging from 24, 22, 8 and 2 and we now babysit our youngest granddaughter and I find myself crying watching how fast she’s growing and learning…I too absolutely savor every small moment…it’s wonderful watching them grow but also bittersweet knowing we won’t be here to witness our little one’s big milestones (graduation, weddings, childbirths). You’re an awesome mama Jess…nothing wrong with being emotional-I always was and still am. Also seeing my husband turning into a big marshmallow at the sight of our grandkids just melts my heart! Life is good-God is good…we are blessed and thankful❤❤❤🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Nobody tells you that the hardest part of parenting is the art of letting go. Letting go of the control you have over their lives, so they can go and make their own mistakes, letting go of the perfect moments of each stage, to get the next part, letting go of expectations, ... it's a life long lesson in letting go. And for a control freak, it's the scariest thing in the world.
You are so right! We spend years holding on, then one day we have to let go an inch at a time
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“Day to day nothing changes, looking back everything’s different” I feel like that quote sums up parenting so well
This put a knot in my throat it’s so true 🥺
I heard this one somewhere: The days are long, but the years are fast 🥲
I love this 🥺 I always say, "Parenting is far from easy, but it's easily the best thing I've ever done."
Jess sobbing over her kids growing up is so relatable. Mine are finishing up 1st and 3rd grade right now and it’s so bittersweet. Don’t think I’ll ever get over it 😭. Hugs to any other parents going through that emotional rollercoaster 🫂
Hey Jess, I have a 13 year old and a 16 year old girls. This coming year they will be together in high school. They are the sweetest girls. My husband and I recently had a moment watching my youngest at her awards ceremony. Seeing her smile and walking up took us back to when she was in pre school. It’s crazy how much time flies. Cherish every moment, cry if you have too. That just means you love your babies. It doesn’t get easier. But in my eyes no matter how old they currently are they are still my babies. You are not alone. I teared up with you! God bless! ❤
It truly never changes. I'm almost 36 and my parents are my friends but in some situations I'm still the little girl. I know I'll be always daddy's little princess and he will be my hero.
I blubber ALL the time.......we are not promised tomorrow so it's important to cherish every moment with your family. My son is 30 and my granddaughter is 2. I am turning 62 in a couple months and I will be retiring from my job of 43 years. I want to soak up EVERY waking moment that I can with these two loves of my life. When I'm no longer around, I want them to ALWAYS know...how VERY much I loved them and that nothing else matters. I love your channel Jess and your family! God Bless You always.
Seeing your kids growing up is INFINITELY BETTER than not seeing them grow up. I’m a bereaved parent with two living kids, one of them is about Genevieve’s age. I watch my little kids grow up when their big sister never got to…and seeing my two living children grow is the greatest privilege of my life, one that not all of us get. Feel how you feel about them growing up and time passing, but I will say that however hard you feel it is, it’s the most beautiful and magical thing in the world.
God Bless you friend. Sorry for your loss... can't even imagine.🙏
So sorry for your loss ❤ my heart goes out to you and your family 💕
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Not a favorite recipe but a favorite concept that has changed my life. Ingredient prep rather than meal prep. Taking a couple hours that I would normally use to prepare a meal in advance to prepare chopped fruits, veggies, sauces, and dressings in advance. Then, on busy weeknights, I can throw everything together in 15 minutes with no time wasted chopping and prepping. It’s been a major life changer and there are a ton of people on Tik Tok and Inst sharing their ingredient prep strategy.
Tip on the binder! I had the same problem. I put the tab divider into a sheet protector and cut a slit for the tab to pop out! Now I can see the divider in the binder!
I had to do this for my work binder! It was so frustrating at first but now it is absolutely perfect.
As a mom feeling emotional while watching your babies grow is totally normal! I’m about to have my 4th baby and my oldest is almost 24. Take in each moment and enjoy every second. ❤ love your family and your videos
Cry all you want, time has been flying by, I’m 70 and it seems like just yesterday that we had retired, you and Tyler have the best gift, all the videos you have of your girls growing up that you will be able to look back on when they are all grown up and share with them. Wish I would have had that back in the day, all I have are memories in my head but I do have tons of photos of my grandson, I made him a video one day for his birthday with photos I had of him from a baby to where he is now, he loved it. He’s soon to be 21, time goes by so fast, cherish them.❤❤❤
You are aware and thinking of time with kids ❤ I lost my son and now all the time I took time to cherish and enjoy are SO important to look back on. And now with a grandson I get to cherish and enjoy again. Love and family is everything ❤
My two cents…love all their stages! Cry, laugh, love, forgive and hug them every single day. My kids are 22 and 21 and I make sure I say I love you and we hug every time we are together! ❤️❤️❤️
You cry all you want. The time does go by so quickly, and you need to cherish it all . Tell them you love them, give them the hug they cringe at. We just married our first child off and I just kept looking at her remembering her childhood and wondering where that time went.💕so you just keep crying and cherishing those girls.
I totally relate to 22:39. My baby is 4 months. I had postpartum depression the first 3 months. I was in straight survival mode and honestly feel like I “missed “ out on things (no baby book, no newborn professional photos, not even a selfie of me and him because I didn’t like myself.) It’s crazy no matter what age kids are, every one feels the same way
Aw Jess this was an emotional one! My baby is now 22 and I would love to say those milestones through their life get easier on us as parents, but they honestly don’t. At times, especially when they are younger and you’re sleep deprived, you wish those hours away. But, when they are gone that’s it. I have wished to turn back the clock so many times to those days again. Cherish them all. They are fleeting. Much love to you and the family xx ❤
Jess, I am 72 years young and without a doubt, my favorite “job” was being a mom to my children. So much so that I also worked in Kndg & 1st grade for 13 years. People always tell you how fast it all goes while your smack in the middle of no sleep, picky eaters, contrary teens, etc. I have learned that each season has its ups and downs, but seasons pass too quickly. Now they are both in their 40’s and we are blessed to all really like each other and have such good times. So the seasons change, the memories continue and being a mom is a real blessing. Also, my husband and I have been together over 54 years, and remain each others best friend. Nurture that and the future really is golden. Enjoy the graduation.❤🌻
Girl cryyy!! I cry at every single graduation my kids have and every performance they have!! It’s exactly what you said. So many emotions and wanting to soak it all in and live in it while simultaneously, knowing it is slipping through your fingers.
Gosh, now I’m blubbering like a baby! I am right there with you struggling with how fast these kids grow up. ❤
Jess I started bawling listening to you talk about Gigi growing up. My oldest also just graduated preschool, and due to some delayed flights and missed connections, I got stranded overnight and missed her preschool graduation. I still can’t think about it without breaking down in tears. I relate to everything you said. So many emotions about raising these tiny people-and they seem to build until they burst because on a day to day basis we are mostly surviving. Then all of a sudden the passage of time hits us like a truck.
Not just you! I was absolutely choked up at the preschool concert last week, feeling exactly the same way! All I do is take a deep breath and say a thank you that I am there, smiling and cheering her on. She sees me there, and file it as a core memory. Love can be so filling sometimes.
I LOVE undated planners! I love that I can use it for a week or two and if I miss a few weeks or whatever, I can just pick it back up and no pages are wasted! I’ve been using an undated one by Avery that I bought on Amazon and I love it!
It would be really cool to have a digital copy of your “tried and true” recipes!! 💕
We have two boys, 15 and 14… it is so heartbreaking to realize they are ao grown and close to leaving our home. We are so very proud of them coming into their own, but, as their mommy I will never be ready. We welcomed our prayed for baby girl 4 months ago, she is such a love. I cry all the time watching her get bigger every day knowing I will blink and she will be grown up like our boys. The need to soak it up is insatiable, it is true that babies don’t keep. Love on them like you do and don’t let mourning the stages that have passed take away from the joys of the new evolutions. I feel you girl!
Jessie's planners and makeup bags. On the search for perfection...😂
Oh girl! Every stage is heart tugging. However, I just watched my oldest graduate and I will say it was one of the happiest moments of my life with him. He is so ready to move on to the next phase of his life that it makes me so thrilled for him to be done with this one. That all to say that every “last” we experienced this year I was a messy puddle of tears in the corner with the phone held high recording it all. He’s a wrestler as his brother and their last time warming up todether I cried like a baby. Little moments like that leading up to it. But then by graduation, I had no tears left and knew how excited he was for college. That makes it so worth it. Plus, as they get older, getting compliments on the human they are becoming makes your parent heart settle. It’s almost like a hug you keep. Knowing you’re preparing them for the real world.
Jess I’ve never loved you more!! You literally just had me balling my eyes out while cooking dinner.. so well said. It feels like you can never soak those moments in enough and wish you could freeze time 🩷 I’m so happy you shared that moment, it’s SO real!! On another note, Brooklinen is the best of the best and I love every sponsorship you do, there is nobody i trust more…. Now i need the linen set!!!
My daughters are 23 and 25 and I cannot describe to you the joy of seeing them enter their young adult lives, and becoming fabulous human beings! An added bonus is the adult friendship you gain with them. Every stage of your childs life is to be cherished, and I promise you will continue to experience the joys of your special relationship with them as time goes by. PS it’s totally ok to be emotional about their milestones!
My youngest is 28 and I long for those days sometimes but each stage as they get older has its own rewards. To see the amazing people they’ve become is wonderful.
It doesn't get easier with your babies growing up. My first baby just graduated 8th grade and I was an emotional hot mess! Sending love to you mama! You're doing great ! It's ok to be sad in these moments of growth and greatness . They will forever be your babies
I have two kiddos, 25 and 24. My daughter (25) moved out this past December and my son just moved out this weekend. It is very emotional, but it is a good thing too. I love seeing them grow into the beautiful young adults that they are. My son being gone is still very new and I don't think it has officially sunk in, but I'm happy, so very happy for him. He's wanted this for so long and did an amazing job saving for his first house. Again, so bittersweet. Much love as you navigate your journey. ENJOY!!
My only child graduated high school this year. The whole time we sat through the ceremony, I had that same feeling. It’s like you’re there but it doesn’t feel real or possible at all. It’s like being in a dream. It’s so heartbreaking and you’re bursting with excitement and pride at the same time. It’s so surreal.
I have a 5 and 2 year old and my 5 year old also graduated PreK this week. I cried and smiled and cried some more. My iPhone constantly shows me reminders of her as a baby and it just makes me miss that stage. But I absolutely love this age she’s at and how brilliant she is. I am excited to share more things with her and her sister as they age. But I am just like you and totally can relate. Congrats! 🎊
Oh Mama it goes by sooo fast! Cherish every moment! Unfortunately I lost my oldest daughter at 32 and I would give anything to be back when she was my little and enjoy her once again! There is nothing we can do but love them unconditionally and enjoy this all too short part of their lives
So sorry for your loss friend. Hugs and prayers 🙏
Jessica, I totally understand your feeling of how to know when you are in a moment and feel in that moment. I have 5 kids (oldest is 13, youngest is 6) and it feels like it is just flying by me. A month ago I lost my Mom suddenly (I'm 39) and started crying when you said that you needed to call your Mom to ask her what to do about a recipe. I lost it. I can't call my Mom when I have a question ever again and it a soul-tearing feeling. Just thank God for all the small moments because they all amount to the biggest moments we have. Hug your babies and your Mama.
The rate at which time goes by as you get older is unreal. Having kids magnifies it so much.
I use the app Plan to Eat on my phone and on my computer to meal plan, make grocery lists, and organize recipes. I love it! It has so much functionality and they have so many guides to help you maximize what they offer. It has saved so much time over the years that I have used it. Now that my 2 daughters and son have their own homes, I gift them a subscription every Christmas so they have access to our own family recipes, can stay more organized, and share new recipes with me!
As a mother with grown children, my advice is to enjoy every second you get. I still say my favorite age of my children was whatever age they were. I miss my "babies" but I have grandchildren now and it is SOOO much fun to spend time and take vacations with my adult children. You are correct...there is always a silver lining!
Watched you for years, but first time commenting. Hugs to you 💖 My emotional moment was during our last Disney trip and my 13 and 11 year olds seeing the princesses. It made me so teary eyes seeing how much they use to be in awe of the experience and the magic when they see so little and now are so grown. Jessica, thank you to you and Tyler sharing your life and family with all of us. Always here for the advice and sister chats 💖
The emotions never get easy. I've got 4 kids, and man its BRUTAL! I have really really struggled going through all of the "last firsts" with my youngest and it tears my momma heart to shreds. Also, I cry like a baby at the end of each school year, so you def aren't the only one momma ❤️❤️ It's so bittersweet to watch these babies grow into themselves
My daughter, 24 years old, is getting married next Friday and you just made me cry for the first time talking about time flying by.
I’m 100% with you on the kids growing! Mine are 6 and 2 and I relate so much to all of your parenting. But my son graduated kindergarten this year and I’ll sit and cry realizing how big he’s getting. I worry we’re not doing enough fun stuff or making the best memories and I always think I could be doing better. But then he’ll say things that makes me realize he’s loving his little life. It’s just so hard to see the time pass and know it won’t always be this way. But also I love him becoming my little side kick more and more. No answers but I get it!
I literally just got home from spending a week with my son, his fiance and my 1st grandson and I sobbed the entire 16 hr ride home. All i could think holding my newborn grandson was how I will never get to hold him as a newborn ever again. Next time I see him it could be 6 months to 1 yr and that tiny newborn baby will be older. I am still crying as I type this. I just did my best to soak it all up but even as we drove away all I wanted was "one more day" just like all I ever wanted since my son grew up is one more day with him as a baby. All that to say it doesn't get easier lol watching MY baby become a dad was in itself emotional. Then leaving them all behind was Hella emotional ❤
I can relate I live 650 miles from my family and that just happened with my niece. I know every time I leave, she'll be so much more grown-up every time I see her. I cry the entire time home too. Your comment really resonated with me!! Hugs my friend.
A friend told me “the days are long, but the years are short” while I was pregnant. My baby’s first birthday is next week and I’m trying hard to be in the moment. I’m excited to see the little person she is becoming, while also remembering each milestone and how small she was when she came into this world. I’m sure I’ll have quite a few tears before her party and many more in the coming years. I FEEL what you are feeling. It’s normal and beautiful to have deep emotions about your baby growing up. I cried with you as you talked through that vulnerable moment. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I love the sounds of Pinocchio drinking water and him sleeping on pillows behind you. He is so adorable. ❤☺️ definately adds a lovely character to your videos. You are a wonderful wholesome mum, continue to take everything in
Hi Jess. Such a great video. You talking about how fast the kids grow up is something I’ve been struggling with, only my kids are grown- 30 & 24. Our first daughter was married last September and this coming February our second is getting married. I swear last year they both lived at home and were school age and needed us for so much, and then I closed my eyes and they’ll both be wives in a few short months. Truth is, time doesn’t slow down and as a mom it’s hard because we will always be their mom, but they don’t need us the same once they grow. My mom warned during the difficult stages of teething and colic etc that the days are long but the years are short and I’ve never heard any truer words.
My advice is just to be in the moment and take lots of photos and videos (how lucky for this generation to have video at our fingertips) and enjoy every stage. These are the days.
Xoxo
There's something SO satisfying about you walking into the kitchen with all the grocery bags and the music!
Oh you had me crying! Mine are 29 and 20 and you will still think about them being small and you will tear up bc you miss it. It’s so hard some days when they are small and it seems to take forever and then they are grown and on their own. The beautiful part is when they do fly the nest and you look them and are so proud of who they are, you know you did your job well. And trust me they still come to you with the silly stuff bc you are their mom. As an empty nester now, trust me, once you adjust… it’s pretty great too lol ❤❤
I’m SO with you on how fast time goes. My daughter just graduated high school and I’m looking back at photos of her graduating preschool and kindergarten and how it literally feels like yesterday. It is so bittersweet 😢 life is so precious - Enjoy every moment!! I love the idea of a short video with each first day of school photo because you will miss hearing her little voice at that age 🥰🥰
I always love watching your videos - just hearing you chat about makeup, food, life etc. like a friend. This video really got to me when you started talking about how quickly time goes by with kids. My son is 6 months old and I’m starting to feel the same way - I so badly want to absorb these days and sometimes it feels like our days are moving so quickly and can’t slow down and really take it in. I appreciate you being vulnerable and real - it really touched my heart!! You’re amazing!
Every day is a treasure in the parent world! I promise all stages of your kid's life will be special in its own unique way! Crying now and then just confirms your knowledge of how blessed you are ❤
😎😎😎 parenting is such a weird and wonderful journey! You will be equally sad your kids are growing up but also happy you get to see them grow up. It goes so fast! Mine are 10 and 12 and I gush over time hop every day. I remember when my hubby and I were finally at the time when our kids no longer needed us in the pool with them because they were fine swimming and that was life changing as a parent. I've been homeschooling my two kids for the past seven years and I'm thankful I've gotten to witness every lightbulb moment, bandage up every hurt knee. Soak up every stage Jess! ♥️
I think you must be starting to realize or possibly you realized it for quite a while now, but…… You quite literally are making your living just talking to us and sharing your life with us, which brings peace and happiness and a calm to all of us. What a beautiful gift you have!☺️❤️❤️✨🙏🏻✨
Omg, I can so relate to your feeling so emotional. Happened to me at every stage. The gift is that you recognize and appreciate it, even though these are such busy times for you. 🤗💕
Love your book talk at the end of your vlogs! It’s just the perfect way to wrap it up. 😎🕶️🧴🌞🩱🍹
14:11 I use a combo of cookbooks and online or recipe cards. If you have an air fryer you should cube and cook your tofu in there. Super easy and good!
Just got up, drinkin my coffee, and you upload is perfection. Great way to start the day 😊 I have my recipe binder and ETSY FOR THE WIN on the perfect tabs for any category you may need 😀
I have twin boys 20 and in college. I had these moments just like you. It’s not silly. I love seeing other parents feel the same way I do. Tyler is right their will be tons of silver linings. The moments pass and one day you have a library full of memories that no longer make you sad but enrich your life instead. You are good. Everything will be alright.
I don’t have children but I have noticed having that feeling of where is the time going whenever I see my friend’s kids and how much they have grown!
And 🕶️ 🕶️ 🕶️! 🥰
🕶️The days are long but the years are short. I never understood that until I did. Happy Sunmertime!
You're not wrong for being emotional in these moments! Soak them up the best way you know how but be at peace with the passing of time because it moves on regardless. The days are long but the years are short....so smile, give all the hugs & take all the photos & cry all the tears for your family. That's what it's all about. Big hugs from far away. 🥹🩷
I’ve been a mom to my step-daughter since she was just turning 2 and now she’s about to be 15, and boy does it go fast! I obviously love her unconditionally at any developmental stage but I do miss when she was little and things were simpler and she still thought we were cool and wanted to hang out with us! Honestly though now that we’re in the teen years (little kids are more physically exhausting and teens are psychologically exhausting) we’re ready for her to finish growing up already because this phase can be TOUGH haha. Also, you’re totally right about videos, they’re so much more fun to look back on than pictures when they get older!
This is perfectly said! Hang in there the teen years can be so so rough but its so fun to hang out with them when they are adults and can better understand some of the thing that happened. I Love having family time with my grown up kids!
You made me cry too 😓 You described it perfectly, feeling like you're trying to soak up the moment while also feeling like you're looking back on it from a future stance. My oldest is turning 8 in a few weeks, and my husband made me realize that next year is his last single digit birthday and half way point to 18. My husband sustained a few injuries but overall he's expected to recover.
I hope you are doing okay! Missing your videos these past couple of weeks ❤
I came here to say the same thing. I hope she is just taking some well deserved time off and everything is ok
They were in Italy for a wedding
@@Mila-Sapphire oh yeah! I totally forgot
My daughter is 20 and I totally get how you feel, it's so good seeing them grow up but also sad because that chapter is gone. I love how real you were in this video just shows that us mums are all the same when our children get older. Xxx
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How do you not watch to the end??? Thank you for a lovely start to my Saturday!
So many hugs to you! Thank you for sharing your rawness- I think i cried like this in my shower so no one saw it, but you are nailing every point of where you “are” spot on. Mine are 21 & 19 now and, yes the silver linings are there, but I reflect on the littleness of them often because it reminds me of what a blessing it is to watch them grow, even into adulthood. Think of it like this, you & Tyler have a front row seat to the BEST show ever. You will have so many more of these moments, promise! ❤ 23:43
Jessica! Where are you! Missing your videos!
Aww, enjoy all the moments. My daughter just graduated from college last month and I still can’t believe it. Time is a thief!! Take care and continue to make great memories!!
My child is 29, born a boy, now transitioning to female. Sometimes things do not turn out how you thought they will. My husband and I are so proud of our adult child for their courage & strength they have to become who they need to be. We had many years of stress and heartache watching our child struggle and suffer not knowing what they were dealing with. All is good now thank goodness. Each year is precious and yes time flies. Eventually they leave the nest, they have their journey in life, and you and Tyler have yours. You will be ready for it when the time comes. Until then, enjoy each year, so precious.
Yikes!
Love your tender heart! Spending time with you always makes me smile (& cry today!) Love every stage with your babies - time definitely flies by! 😎😎😎
im so sorry im in that part of video where you are crying and i have a 5 and 6 years old and i cant help but burst into tears, I can imagine what your trying to say and as a parent I wish i can just freeze the moment and hold onto that young and innocent phase of their life. Our kids our growing so fast so lets enjoy every bit of it❤❤❤
I'm living in the same boat with two young boys, a 10yo and a 6yo. I was telling my husband the other night that we are living in the prayer we prayed for! It's a magical, heartbreaking, glorifying journey we are on and I'm embracing both the highs and lows of each moment! You aren't alone sis ❤
Hi Jessica . I’m a new subscriber and I wish I’d found you years ago. I’m 68 and live in Northern England but I relate to you in lots of ways. I’m an avid reader, deep thinker, love make up and I have a 40 year old son who lives in Texas. He went to the US to work initially for 3 months and stayed ! He and I are so close despite the distance. I live alone and he is so caring. I see him as a wonderful son, husband and father and know I did a good job raising him. I still cry every time I look at photos of his life stages and can’t believe where the years have gone. I miss him so much but I taught him to spread his wings and go out into the world. He’s done exactly that and I’m so proud of him. Make the most of every day with your family…we will always have our memories no matter all the changes in the world. Really enjoy your channel .xxx
Oh, Jessie! I knew exactly where you were going when you mentioned the office and Genevieve graduating pre k. I reference that Andy Bernard quote often with my kids. It's so bittersweet to watch them grow and learn and change. What a blessing to be a momma! ❤❤
I have a 14 and 11 year old, and time just continues to fly. I love seeing them become these amazing humans, but man, I sure will miss them when they are not in my home anymore!
Jessica I know you probably won't see this but thank you for sharing your thoughts about kids growing up. I really needed it today. Had a rough morning with my young kids today and your video has shifted my mindset to one of gratitude for these sweet little humans I get to call mine. My oldest just graduated kindergarten and it had me thinking about how fast high school graduation is going to come up and I was not okay 😭 being a mom is such a bittersweet thing. Beautiful and messy, so happy and so gut - wrenching all at once. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing ❤️
Awe Jess! I love you! My son just graduated preschool too and I cried like a baby. He just had his last day of vacation bible school and I just cried and cried while they all sang. I was looking around thinking “am I the only mom crying?!” But the more I thought about it the more I just told myself to relish this moment. I love my kids more than anything in the whole world and I wish I could just freeze time to enjoy these days more! The girls are blessed to have you as their mama ❤️ Your love for them shows and they know that! ❤
Crying with you thinking about my almost 6 month old baby boy. I feel you. You’ve been a lovely guide for approaching parenthood and I appreciate your moment of realness.😊
And I totally get the being in the moment feeling! I self tell myself to take it all in and savor it and your right it’s totally like your “out of body” experiencing it. My kids are grown, my daughter is 36 and my son is 38. We have 3 grand kids. The saying is so true… the nights are long but the years are short! It’s a blink of an eye for sure. Enjoy your babies at every stage! 🤗
Yup I feel u my darling❤. I'm 49 & our boys are now 19 & 15 & graduated the same year(grade 8 & 12).where did the time go!!! U don't realize until u look back or look at the pics & then ur like holly.....back in the day it was so hard to go for a simple diner without kids(no family around) 😂& now we take them with us & celebrate our anniversary together. So every age & era has its own bitter sweet moments. Simply enjoy every moment & try to enjoy them as much as u can.
Life is beautiful ❤❤
Enjoy every single second good and bad. My babies are 29, 24, 20 and 17. I remember being pregnant and it’s so scary how fast it went. So when you have a day that’s so stressful just please appreciate it.
Accepting your kids growing up never gets any easier🥲 My son is 34 and I still get emotional. Every year and every change they go through, every challenge and every heartache, I still feel. Enjoy every stage but always remember there will be so many more to come❤️
My daughter just “graduated” from the 8th grade and I cried through the whole ceremony. So watching your kids grow never gets easier lol. When they are newborns and it’s 2am and they won’t go back to sleep, it feels like time is dragging on. But then you blink and they are (nearly) grown. They are such sweet but bittersweet moments.
I am 47. I have three daughters 19, 17, and 10. I never really have a hard time with them growing up because I am just excited to experience the next thing with them. They aren’t going anywhere (well they are physically when they leave for college). I talked to my daughter on text and FaceTime pretty much every day at some point when she was at college. And now she’s back for the summer. But I’ve never really felt a sense of loss with her leaving for college. Yes when we moved her into her dorm and drove away, I had tears but they were happy tears. You just want your kids to be happy and it becomes less about you and more about them enjoying their life. And going off to college, having friends,, getting married, babies, jobs, or whatever life brings them, you’ll be right there with them. They’ll always be your child!
Just live in the moment and create wonderful memories. Being a parent is hard because we spend so many years guiding our children and preparing them to be without us. Every stage - daycare, first day of school, graduation, college - it's all about letting go bit by bit. If we do it right they visit, call and share their adult lives with us. My girls are in their 30's and my youngest just had her first child and my first grandchild. Now I get to spend 2 days a week with him and am so grateful to be able to experience this time with him and with my daughter.
Sobbing over our kids growing up is so relatable. I do that all the time, especially at school events... I get so emotional.
Hi Jess, I was not a bawling mess at my first born’s preschool graduation but I was a bawling mess a week ago at his 5th grade graduation…It all hit me the morning of and I couldn’t understand why I was so emotional. I couldn’t believe elementary years were gone and he is going to be a middle schooler…I completely understood what you were saying about the desperation we feel as parents in soaking it up all the precious moments but feeling like we don’t have enough time..❤️
Aww, sweetie, we have 4 kids and 11 grands and I wish I could tell you that you’ll stop having the bawling moments but I still look at photos at them at every age and missed them at that moment still! They are all y’all’s age, now. I cried at the grands graduation! They are growing up too fast! My husband and I try to travel but I even miss them everywhere! It’s way easier on the husband. He sounds like Tyler! They will always be your babies!
I’m behind on catching up with yalls lives as my first child just hit his 1st bday on October 17th. ‘How does time seem to go by so fast and so slow at the same time?’ Is something I repeatedly said during my third trimester of pregnancy and I’ve said numerous times throughout this first year of my sons life. I cried during that portion of the video. I feel those same feelings. It’s gut wrenching. I hope it gets easier as time goes. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. A true example of bittersweet. Friends with older children tell me that the days are long but the years are short. Just trying to enjoy every single second. Although this is an older video now and you likely won’t see the comment I’m sending you all the mama love and support for now and in the future 💗.
Awe, sweet Jess, totally understand the waterworks! Shift your mind set… look at who they are becoming..be excited for them to experience the world. ❤
For me it doesn’t get easier. I’m crying with you and my kids are 27 and 30. Every milestone they’ve hit I get the waterworks. It does go by fast. Cherish every moment. Life is short. 🙏🏼❤️
I am putting things together to make a scrapbook of Kindergarten, as I watch your video. I can definitely relate. I also got weepy at Kinder graduation. It’s so hard to see their little faces changing and time going so fast. You are so not alone! ❤
I cried with you. I think about stuff like this. I have 18 16 and 7, and time goes by so fast. Everything you said makes so much sense. I cry all the time with special moments or just when I think about them getting older .
I’m late so you may not see this, but you made me bawl my eyes out! Since kids, time has flown by so unbelievably fast and every day I look at them and see how much they are constantly growing. My little one was in pre-k for two years and I cried for both! And they did a small awards day for the rest of the school and after each class, they would “welcome” them to the next class. I completely lost it when (for my older baby) they said “congratulations first grade, welcome to second grade!” I’ve been wondering how people do it! How do our parents see us as adults and having kids and not cry constantly?!
Crying with you. My baby is 19 months old and I feel the same... I can't imagine a graduation of any kind. Will absolutely cry the whole day for sure.
I'm in my mid 30s and I have 3 boys (11,5,3), there are days when I get emotional too. Like how did they get so big, or they say and do the cutest things.I definitely am trying to soak it all in and let them know how much I love them everyday. I feel ya.
I had my first two kids really young my oldest son is 21 now when he graduated high school i couldn’t stop crying because we grew up together he was the first person i felt true love for ❤ i also have a 5 year old son lol now i am 39 so its quite different now.. I try to enjoy every little moment with him :)
Oh Jess I get it! The days are long but the years are brief! It flies so fast. With one out of high school and 2 more in high school it still amazes how quickly time has flown. Babies growing is hard on Mommas but wonderful and rewarding as well. 🥰
Awe..it’s a roller coaster ride for sure. Enjoy the crazy young years which turns into the crazy teenage years which turns into the adult years which they become more fun to be with doing adult things together. My daughter is pregnant with my first grandchild and I’m so excited because I get to relive those years again as a grandma. Just enjoy every crazy, happy, sad, emotional day and make memories 😊