Maryah turned ten on Tuesday, and throughout the night before and morning, different waves of emotions kept arriving. I posted a picture but didn’t add any major caption because I didn’t want it to drift off into being more about me instead of her. 

                I have a ten year old (mind blown) 

There was a moment when she opened a birthday card and blurted out how much money she accumulated- everyone responded in amazement at what just transpired, and I responded with “that’s why we did all those lessons.” Being in the moment and having expectations for your child, sometimes you don’t get to sit back and really understand how great they actually are. 

                As a father I now have to prepare for the next phase, pre-teenager years- not really a kid but still a kid, and all that comes with it. 

                Looking back I’ve noticed that my parenting skills have changed – I felt I went into it one way, and currently it is way more flexible but still stern. There has to be some type of bend, to be able to listen to the opinion of your child while also knowing what is best for them – it’s definitely push and pull. 

                Here’s to the next 10.