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Ava Monet

@ava.monett

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While parenting for the past 22 years I have probably been told about a million times to, “cherish these years because before you know it they are gone and you will wish for all those messes, sleepless nights and chaos”…
Well let me tell you, I don’t wish for those things at all, and while one could argue
that that is because my youngest of four is still only six years old, I would like to share with you a little secret perspective:
Just because your babies blossom into awkward adolescence, know it all teens, and then mini me adults, that doesn’t at all mean that you stop mothering. And that doesn’t at all mean that the glory years of cuddles and nurturing are through.
In fact the first eighteen years are just a quick emotionally charged blur into the extra long and beautiful relationship and friendship that awaits on the other side.
I loved the teen years. And while there were moments of pain, tears and therapy there were many more of laughter, story telling and connection. You get to quietly live vicariously through their self discovery, watch them think that they have just discovered 90s angst girl bands for the first time, and dress in satisfyingly “cringe” attire. You get to chauffeur mini vans full of hormonal tears and enthusiasm to and from school dances at midnight and eaves drop along the way. You get to watch a metamorphosis that you helped to protect and encourage.
But you know what’s even better?! When your precious littles become adults! It’s such a miraculous thing. The best friends a mom could ask for. And while they still love to spend your money, they also offer wise generationally gained life experience and advice. You can finally enjoy some of the same pastimes, share a cocktail or maybe even an outfit, get tattoos together or cry about attachment styles. You’ve made it through the gentle tiptoe of being a good role model and can be a bit more YOU, just a grown up who has also had struggles and imperfections. It’s real, it’s raw and it’s the biggest gift. I’m so lucky to have two grown up babies who I can also call my besties. 💕

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Vicariously soaking up vitamin D, and salt and sand and shrimp, through our Algarve memories 🦐🌞🇵🇹 #portugal

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Four precious humans! Can’t believe I’ve grown and birthed four entire people. Can’t believe how incredible each of them are, each so unique and the same but different. Lucky! 💕🧡 Photos by @island_farmstudio

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As summer came to an end our household of six strangely evaporated into a household of four.
Lucky enough that one child became my down the road neighbor, while the other is spreading her wings in the big apple.
Our A frame is roomier, the halls are quieter at night and the kitchen may be a bit tidier- but I sure treasure those full hearted moments. Watching all four of my babies laugh and dance around the kitchen, cuddle in on the couch, and turn dinner time into chaos.
I treasure these four humans and these photos captured of our family last month by @island_farmstudio 🌻🌼🩷

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Couldn’t be more proud of @lilithfickle who graduated from high school today. Her creativity, ambition and bravery is an inspiration. I will miss her more than I can even stand to think about when she moves to NYC in two short months ❤️ #classof2025

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While we were sitting there at Stumptown I noticed these two older ladies who were chatting over lattes- they were both so cool and stylish, grey hair, red lipstick, artsy glasses. Smart, comfortable in their own skin, radiant yet aging the way life intended. I was inspired by them. Coincidently one of them recognized us from many years ago at a kid’s sewing camp. We chatted about how my daughter had just gotten into Parson (along with many other universities), wow, they had BOTH gone to Parsons. It was a sunny moment. And I wish more women would allow themselves to ease into age so gracefully, that is all🌸

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Another one for the books…sleep tight, dream of sugar plums, and hope that your children sleep past 5am🎄✨ #christmaseve

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Motherhood begins with the utmost strength. Growing that human, pushing them forth into this beautiful cruel world. The strength it takes to face someone new and welcome them into your life with sacrificial unconditional love. Yet it’s the only way you’d ever see fit. Even on lonely endless nights you still willingly pour out love from an often empty vessel.
You muster more of that strength as you watch them grow, push away, bloom and fly off. You ache at 3am missing them, worrying and wondering if you gave enough.
Motherhood is full of pride- that first step, those first words, learning to read, autonomy and making friends. Nothing compares to that painful pride of watching them grow up and then come back to you with hugs and stories and their very own new beginnings.
Cherish those firsts, allow them to dream, listen to their joys and their pains. Let them learn slowly that this world is cruel, but that you will always be a home, a safe space to hold them when the pain gets too deep. Whisper encouragement, nurture and wipe both of your faces as you send them back out on their journey.

Happy Mother’s Day to all who nurture and make this world a safer softer place💜 #parenting #motherhood

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Not A Girl’s Trip without lots of laughs, a few tears, beachside fashions, projectile vomit and so much love! 🌴🦀 #girlstrip #sayulita

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Sayulita, the land of sun, sea food, souvenirs and the ultimate Girl’s Trip🌴💞🦐 #sayulita #girlstrip

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Twas the night before Christmas…and I’m just so thankful to have all my chickens at home under one roof❤️🎄 #sweetdreams #christmaseve

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In my fun mom, tired mom, Swiftie mom era 🫶💥 #erastour #taylorswift #swiftie #momlife #theerastour #santaclaratstheerastour

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