He woke me up by using me as a jungle gym, demanded a game of hide-and-seek before I’d even had coffee, and somehow managed to ban me from my own living room. Apparently, when you’re five, confidence is free—even if you don’t pay rent. Welcome to another unforgettable Saturday in the life of a boy mom.

7am on a Saturday and we’re already deep into Candy Land—no coffee, no warning, just full energy from my child while I’m running on empty. It’s chaotic, exhausting, and somehow still one of those moments I know I’ll miss one day.

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.