I'm so very glad we got to hang out. :)

As a parent, I'm sure you know how encouraging it is to hear others tell you they enjoy the little humans you helped make. It's encouraging because we as parents see all the not-so-fun times as well. Raising children is really, really hard. Their little under-developed prefrontal cortices and lack of mirror neurons create drama that stresses us out, frustrates us, and leaves us asking, "Really? Did you really just do that?"

I tell people often how raising kids is one of the hardest and most amazing thing you'll ever do. Simple pleasures like having a phone call or going to the restroom without being interrupted seem like vague, distant memories. At times, it seems a few minutes can't go by without one kid yelling at the other one. We get so easily caught up in our insecurities, trying to control behavior and guide them towards a good life. At times it can be overwhelming.

And at other times, it can be so deeply rewarding and fulfilling. Thank you for loving on our kids, joking with them, and making them feel welcome in this Steem community. I also respect and appreciate you not giving their names, but based on conversation we've had with them (and maybe my own biases about transparency), we're comfortable with their names being online. Devon is our oldest son, followed by Aria and Monet.

I'm so glad they encouraged you as well as you were away from your own kids.

Thanks for sharing these pictures and your story. It's something I will remind myself of often, especially when things are challenging. :)