The thing about babies is that you fall in love with every little detail—their tiny hands, their adorable chubby cheeks, and, of course, those cute little fat folds. You could stare at them for hours, amazed at how perfect they are. But before you know it, BAM, those folds are gone, and in their place is this energetic little toddler with the greatest laugh you've ever heard. Their giggles light up the room, and their endless curiosity keeps you on your toes.
Then, one day, you blink, and the toddler has grown into a little kid, full of questions that leave you both stumped and in awe. “Why is the sky blue?” “How do birds fly?” Every question is a reminder of how big their world is becoming, and how fast time is moving.
But the thing is: as much as you might miss each stage, you don’t really have time to. Because just as you’re getting used to one version of your child, they’ve grown again, and there’s a new version of them standing right in front of you.
The toddler turns into a preschooler, who then becomes a little kid, and before you know it, they’re a teenager. And each time, you fall in love all over again. You don’t miss the baby or the toddler because the child in front of you is always just as lovable, just as amazing as the one who came before.
Until one day, all of those kids—the baby, the toddler, the curious little kid, the teenager—walk out the door, all at once. You see your grown-up child, ready to take on the world, and in that moment, it hits you. You realize that you’ve lived through all those stages, all those versions of them, but there’s no next “kid" waiting to take the place of the one who just left. That’s it, grown-up, independent, and ready to start their own journey.
And then you think about that old saying: Do we ever know the last time we picked up our kid? Was it a rushed hug on the way out the door? Or maybe the last time they climbed into your lap to read a story?
It happens without you even realizing it—one day, they’re too big to carry, too busy to sit still for a story, too independent to need you in the same way. But that’s okay, because all those moments, all those versions of them, are kept in your heart. They never really leave you.
Each stage of their life is a new chapter in yours, and while it’s bittersweet to see them grow up, it’s also the greatest privilege in the world. You got to witness every laugh, every question, every step along the way. And though the house might feel a little quieter at times, it’s filled with memories of the kids they once were—and the person they’ve become.
As they walk out that door, we’re not losing them—we’re simply watching them step into the world, carrying with them everything you’ve given and all the love you’ve shared.
Some fun facts of our journey alongside them:
BABY Stage:
Sleep (Or Lack Thereof) – In the first year, parents lose about 350-400 hours of sleep on average! We’re not imagining the exhaustion—those sleepless nights are real, but every sleepy snuggle makes it worth it.
Super Strength – Babies are surprisingly strong! In the first few months, they have a reflex grip so strong that they could actually support their own weight for short periods if we lifted them by their hands.
The Baby Smell – That irresistible "new baby smell" is real! It comes from chemicals secreted by the baby’s sweat glands and is known to trigger a strong bond between parent and child.
TODDLER Stage:
Super Fit – On average, parents of toddlers walk an extra 1,000-1,500 steps a day just chasing their little one around. Goodbye gym, hello toddler cardio!
Mini Mimics – Toddlers love to imitate everything we do, from talking on the phone to pretending to clean. They’re watching closely, so that’s why we might see a little version of ourselves emerging in their actions.
Vocabulary Explodes – During the toddler years, a child’s vocabulary expands so rapidly that some parents report hearing as many as 10 new words in a single day. It’s like a little language explosion right in the home!
CHILD Stage (4-10 years):
"But Why?" Never Ends – A parent of a young child will answer approximately 73 questions a day on average, most of them beginning with “Why?” If it feels like we're in a non-stop game of 20 Questions, it’s because we are!
Play – Playdates and pretend play aren't just for fun—children learn critical social and emotional skills during these times. Watching them pretend to be a superhero or a teacher? That's their way of figuring out the world.
Snack Time is Serious Business – Kids never stop asking for snacks. The reason? Growing children need more energy, and their smaller stomachs mean they burn through food quickly. We may feel like a snack chef, but it’s all part of their development!
Tween/Pre-Teen Stage (10-12 years):
Mood Swings Incoming – Just when we think we’ve figured things out, tweens start to experience mood swings, thanks to hormonal changes. One minute they’re laughing, the next they’re sulking—and as a parent, we become masters of navigating their emotional rollercoaster.
Suddenly, They Know Everything – Pre-teens often think they have all the answers, and we might hear, “I know!” more than we ever thought possible. It’s both hilarious and a sign of their growing independence.
Best Friends Forever – At this stage, our child’s friendships become super important, and they may have one or two "best friends" they talk about all the time. These friendships are a huge part of their emotional development—and a source of endless stories.
Teenager Stage:
Endless Sleep – Teens can sleep forever. It’s not laziness—it’s science! The teenage brain needs about 9 hours of sleep, but their internal clock shifts later, meaning they’re wired to stay up late and sleep in.
Test Limits – Teens naturally begin to challenge authority, and we, as their parent, are often the prime target. The good news? This is how they learn to form their own opinions and establish their independence.
The Fridge is Always Empty – If we think our teen eats non-stop, we’re right! Teenagers are in a major growth spurt and can eat up to twice the amount they did as kids. Keeping the fridge stocked becomes a full-time job!
Young Adult:
Smarter Than We Think – It’s easy to worry as they gain independence, but we soon realize they’ve absorbed more than we thought. Their wisdom and maturity sneak up on us when we least expect it.
Pride – Watching them make decisions, manage responsibilities, and handle challenges as they step into adulthood fills us with a deep sense of pride. All those years of teaching, guiding, and loving them are paying off.
The Parent-Child Relationship Evolves – As they transition into adulthood, our relationship changes from caregiver to advisor. They still need us—but in new and different ways.
Each stage of parenting brings its own joys and challenges, but through it all, we never stop being amazed by how our child grows and changes.
Even as they walk out the door to start their own adventures, a part of them will always be that little baby we once held in our arms.