I remember the first birthday party.

I wore a dress.

I spent way too much money.

I made a banner entirely from the pages of a children’s book.

Y’all, five years later, I went down the freakin’ water slide.

I am a different parent now.

I don’t want to just take pictures of my well-groomed children anymore.

I want to experience the moment with them.

Sometimes, that means getting wet.

Most often, it means getting uncomfortable.

But more than a Pinterest mom or a decadent cake, I hope - between the drips and splashes - they see me...happy.

Because not every day is a birthday.

Or a thrill ride.

But when you have people who love you, I swear.

Every day can be good.

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