I have a friend who is still in the "littles" stage. She texted a picture to me of her sitting in the rocking chair with her baby girl nestled asleep in the crook of her arm, "how do I stop time and bottle this up, forever?", she asked. I thought for a moment and reminisced about that stage. Mine are both too big now to cradle and rock. I texted her back, "time is such a thief. It's really one of parenting's greatest tragedies." This season of softball has a similar feeling. I hate the hours of time I spend in the car traveling to practices, lessons, tournaments, etc. but, at the same time, I LOVE the opportunity to spend time with my girl, and sometimes with her teammates. I get to hear about all of the ups and downs of a 7th grader's day, of who has a crush on who, what the newest phrase is (spoiler alert, "67" is still going strong), what she's excited for, or nervous about, I get to be a friend and a parent. I get to be present and hold and cradle her heart still...and one day, the driving will be over and a new phase of parenthood will begin. Until then, join me in relishing this sweet spot of life. Welcome to Tournament Mom Life!