Am I the only mama that cries a bit during the week of my babies’ birthday? I don’t cry because of sadness, I cry because it’s an inexplicable, bittersweet feeling that pulls hard on my heart strings. And this past week, my firstborn (Caleb Beau) turned 3 years old! I know what you’re thinking: “He’s only 3!” But he’s my first child which means this is the first time I experience this. A firstborn child will always take us to turn a totally new and fresh chapter of our lives without us, parents, knowing what lies ahead of the blank pages. Everything is utterly unknown which is a beautiful feeling yet can produce a sense of uncertainty on what to expect.

Granted I am a sensitive mama, but this 3rd birthday definitely made me realize how quickly our little ones grow. He is in a new stage where he can actually carry a conversation, he repeats everything he hears both in English and Spanish, he analyzes things, draws conclusions, and seems to comprehend things beyond his years. Caleb is the kindest little gentleman with a heart full of love, spunk, and a God-given grace.

As we celebrated his birthday all weekend long in the happiest place on earth, AKA Disney World, I couldn’t help to hold back my tears as I watched him eagerly ride the attractions he once wasn’t tall enough to ride, and no longer being afraid to meet and greet all the Disney characters. He literally wanted to meet Mickey everyday in all 3 parks we visited (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios) and has not stopped mentioning Mickey since we got back.

I looked at my husband, gave him and myself a pat on the back, and told him how proud I was of our now 3 year old boy, and of us for graduating from being parents of 3 under 3! It has not been easy but through God’s grace we have been able to manage it all. And God blessed us with Caleb Beau, the best son we could have ever been blessed with. He is obedient, loving, kind, caring, and brave.

We can’t pause time, but we can aim to enjoy and embrace our “now” by being present when we’re with our loved ones.

In this trip, I disconnected from social media to connect with my family and soak it all in. We brought down my DSLR camera and tried to capture a few lovely moments. The entire family enjoyed and most of all, our son’s happiness brought an immense joy in our hearts as parents.

Check out a few moments below from our trip that are engraved in my heart.