It’s only day one of fall break, and my 4-year-old has already accused me of not liking him… all because I told him not to jump on the couch. Parenthood is truly a mix of deep breaths, laughter, and moments that make you question everything — including your furniture choices. Welcome to fall break, Boy Mom edition.

Weekdays in our home are a blend of chaos and comedy—between a four-year-old who thinks he’s twenty, and a Pomsky who might actually be his spirit animal. Add in our Chavacon who naps only when silence exists (rarely), and you’ve got a house full of personality and very little quiet.

“Mom, will you marry me?” my 4-year-old asks, dropping to one knee and kissing my hand like a true gentleman. For months now, he’s been popping this question randomly throughout the day, never satisfied when I tell him no. His rebuttals, debates, and pleas for a “5-minute marriage” always leave me laughing — and marveling at just how big his love really is.

“You looking good, birthday girl!” My 4-year-old showers me with compliments, even when it’s nowhere near my birthday. If you tell him otherwise, he’ll insist it is. From “check you out” to “I’m proud of you, you did such a good job,” his tiny voice fills our feel-good buckets in the sweetest, most unexpected ways. Of course, in true sour patch kid fashion, the sweetness often follows right after an insult. But that’s life with my little one—spicy and sweet, all wrapped up in love.

Boy Mom Chronicles — Today’s joy came from a “rowboat” made of yoga blocks and a steering wheel made from his LeapFrog controller. Between meetings and emails, my son reminds me that creativity, laughter, and love are always within reach. Mama, find your moment of joy today—you’re doing better than you think. 💛

Toddlers have one volume setting—LOUD. Whether it’s a burst of excitement, a tantrum, or a random shout during their favorite show, the noise is enough to leave me startled and overstimulated. Yet the moment my toddler hears another loud sound, he covers his ears and says, “Too loud, Mama!” Oh, the irony. But even in the chaos, I see the beauty of his growth, his personality, and his becoming—and I wouldn’t trade it for quiet.

Sometimes the tightest toddler hugs are the ones that take your breath away — literally and emotionally. MJ called me a bunny rabbit, then wrapped me in one of the tightest squeezes of my life. It was overwhelming… but I’ll take it. Because one day, he won’t want to hug me like this. And I’ll miss it with everything in me.