Before you became a parent, you probably found it utterly ridiculous when people said things like, "Kids grow up so fast," or, "Next thing you know they'll be off to college.."
Now that you've plunged into the world of parenthood, you're starting to find out that these once laughable claims are more accurate than you previously thought. Obviously, your baby won't be leaving the nest anytime soon, but it can seem like with each passing day they accomplish some new feat or milestone that lets you know just how fast they're developing.
Until parents invent some diabolical weapon that can keep their precious little angels young and innocent forever, parents will just have to roll up their sleeves and deal with these inevitable bittersweet milestones in their kids' lives.
Mom.Me shared a whole laundry list worth of these milestones, and we'll be sharing our favourites right here. Check out the list and let us know if you've had to endure these bittersweet moments in your child's life:
1. When your baby outgrows their newborn and/or size one diapers.
2. When your baby nurses or bottle-feeds for the last time.
3. When "ma-ma" turns to "mummy" or "mum."
4. When your little one no longer clings onto you at daycare/school drop off. They're excited to go. You're happy they're finally happy. But you're also a tiny bit sad.
5. When their vocabulary becomes stronger and they finally master certain words; "frinkles" is now "sprinkles" and "kangaroo" has replaced "hangaroo".
6. When they've outgrown the baby carrier.
7. When they are no longer soothed by swaddling.
8. When they really can, or at least want to, do it all by themselves.
9. When you stop needing to shop from the baby aisle at the grocery store. These days you look forward to a baby shower so you have an excuse to shop for itty bitty baby things.
10. When those tiny shoes have become heirlooms instead of a part of their everyday attire.
11. The first day of school/daycare.
12. Their first tooth—you're so going to miss that gummy grin.
13. When they no longer fit onto your chest or in the crook of your arm.
14. When they've outgrown their bassinet and/or crib.
15. When they start reading you the story at bedtime (even if they are making up their own words).
16. When you are gifted your very first piece of artwork from your budding artist. "I made this for you."
17. When your little one tries to comfort you; there's nothing like a pat on the back from your tiny offspring.
18. When you're still fun to play with but they'd much rather play with a friend.
19. Toddler kisses.
20. Birthdays—we are so grateful for the gift of time and yet we long to freeze it, even if just for a little while longer.
Original article on Mom.Me
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