Updated: Oct. 18, 2023
Originally Published: Sep. 27, 2015
In the whirlwind of those first six weeks after my son was born, I emerged from the fog of newborn life to realize that my daughter, who was just 2 ½ years old, had transitioned from a baby into a little girl. There were so many milestones that could have made me feel nostalgic: her first birthday marking the shift to toddlerhood, the day I weaned her, moving her from a crib to a bed, and even those moments when she began stringing together sentences instead of just babbling.
Surprisingly, none of these transitions hit me as hard as I expected. Instead, I found myself celebrating her growth, reveling in the newfound independence that came with each step forward. I cheered her on as she became a “big girl,” but lately, something has shifted within me. I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness when I notice the changes in her hands, now rough from climbing, or the fine hair that has replaced the baby softness of her skin. The sweet curves of her face have started to fade as she runs around, and I’ve recently realized she’s eager to do things on her own, leaving me behind in the dust.
The moment we began potty training felt like a turning point; it was the last remnant of her babyhood—goodbye diapers. Sure, I’m relieved to save money and time, but it’s bittersweet watching the days of her being my little baby slip away so quickly.
As I look at my son, just two months old, I’m reminded of how challenging parenting an infant can be. Their cries seem endless, they resist naps, and they can be a drain on your energy. When my daughter was a baby, I often wished for time to speed up, yearning for the days when she would crawl, walk, and talk. In my impatience, I lost sight of the beauty in those early moments.
Now, with the wisdom of hindsight, I want to fully embrace my son’s infancy. Yes, there’s plenty of mess—diapers, spit-up, and endless crying. But there are also those heart-melting smiles, the soft coos, and that unmistakable bond we’re building as we gaze into each other’s eyes. I’m committed to savoring these moments instead of wishing them away, and I owe this newfound appreciation to my experiences with my daughter.
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In summary, it’s easy to rush through the stages of parenthood, but taking a moment to appreciate the present can make all the difference. Cherishing each tiny milestone creates lasting memories that we can hold on to forever.