“Mama, I want to snuggle you.” My little one climbs into my lap, his head warm from all that running around. If I close my eyes and take a deep breath, I can almost catch a whiff of the baby he used to be. Moments like these tug at my heart, reminding me that one day, he’ll crawl down for the last time.
At nearly 3, he’s no longer a baby, but he hasn’t fully transitioned into a big kid just yet. As he inches closer to that big-kid status, I find myself grappling with the bittersweet reality of his growth. I’m thrilled about his budding independence, but I’m not quite ready to wave goodbye to the sweet innocence of his toddler years.
I can hear your thoughts: Who wants to cling to the toddler years? Apparently, that would be me. Sure, public meltdowns and unpredictable behavior might tempt you to wish these years away, but let’s be honest — calm is just a fleeting phase. Before you know it, you’ll be navigating another challenging stage of childhood and, let’s face it, parenthood.
Wishing away one challenge only ushers in the next one faster. Parenthood is all about compromise: for every delightful cuddle, there’s a public tantrum that leaves you red-faced or the frustration of a mini dictator’s whims. It sounds strange, but I’m going to miss it all — every crazy moment.
As my son is likely my last baby, witnessing his growth feels like watching sand slip through an hourglass, and I can’t slow it down or stop it. With each milestone, my pride swells, but so does the ache of letting go of another precious moment. I worry about his innocence; it’s such a brilliant light right now. He’s blissfully unaware of the world’s harsh realities, and I fear that light may dim or, worse, be snuffed out by judgment and negativity.
He confidently sports his Batman mask at the grocery store, fully embracing who he is without a hint of apology. I sometimes wish I could channel that same fearlessness. I wish the world could be more like him.
Every day, I watch him grow — a new word here, a calmer demeanor there — each step taking him closer to being a big kid and further away from being my sweet toddler. Is any mother truly ready to say farewell to this chapter of young motherhood?
I’ll gladly part with diapers, sippy cups, and the Goldfish crumbs scattered across the floor, but I’ll hold on to the rest a little longer. I hope he does too.
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In summary, while I’m excited for my son’s growth and independence, I’m also cherishing the fleeting, beautiful moments of his toddler years.