They Keep Getting Older

 So Middlest turned 12 last month.

When you have children you always get a lot of people who love to tell you how hard it is, how it's going to get harder. Lots of "Oh, you wait."

Got a two year old, "You wait until they're three - woohee!" they'll tell you with glee. Got a five year old "Ohh Seven is harder." 

I sometimes wonder if these people enjoy moaning about their children more than having them. 

Each step has it's challenges, but each step is completely amazing and brings different joy. I love the people my children are turning into, I love spending time with them, and I know I'm very lucky with the sheer amount of time I get to spend with them. 

You can't help missing some bits, when they're small and scrunch up on you, or when they run into your arms after a day at school, but also the later bit are just as good. When you sit round the table and they tell you something funny that happened, or when they're together and they all get the giggles and won't stop laughing at something that's just with the three of them. 

We now have a nine, twelve and thirteen year old in the house. The last decade or so has gone in a blur, but what amazing people to share it with. 

Middle daughter is smart, clever, cuttingly funny, good at everything she turns her hand to. Life is better for having her in it, and I know those that know her think the same.