Missing friends

[Klmcq32]

Is this happening to everyone or do most peoples friendships fall apart when marriage and babies happen?

I have a group of 5 friends, we've known each other from very early in school. All of us (excluding one friend) have gotten married and had children. And since, it's like our friendships are non-existent.

We used to see each other alot, nights out, nights in, cinema, dinners, couples nights.

But since the first baby arrived (5 years ago), the friendships have dwindled. Some of them haven't even met two of my own children yet (I had twins a few months ago.) I fully understand that we all have our own lives and everyone has things going on.

But i am so disappointed as I thought these girls would have been there through absolutely everything.
And i feel i am being unreasonable?

Have you been there for them? Did you push visitors away in the early days? They probably are just consumed with their own lives which is normal when everyone has kids and work to juggle.

I actually feel I have tried alot and always trying to get the group of us together.
I've never missed a birthday or special event. Every baby that's been born I've brought gifts and food (not immediately but within 3-4 weeks and after texting to make sure it's a suitable time). I've never missed any of their childrens birthdays or any special moments. I text regularly to check in as I know two friends have been struggling after having babies.
One friend has mentioned she feels the distance has started due to our friend whose single with no kids. And I do kind of agree.
But there's no easy way of bringing up that topic.

With my first baby, we were kind of restricted due to covid but with children after that, we have never been strict of anyone calling or meeting babies.

Do you have a group chat? Send them a message and arrange to meet up.

It is hard to maintain friendships when you have children but the reality is, of you don't make time for your friends, they relationships will suffer.

I see my friends (who live in different cities) about 2 times a year, 3 of we're lucky and we message occasionally in between. I find this is enough to keep our relationships afloat and I hope in the future seeing each other will be easier.

We make a thing of it and it's usually a weekend away, or a weekend at someone's house and it's lovely to meet up.

I'd just send them a message if I was you.