Hey there, mamas (and any dads sneaking a read…welcome!). Grab your coffee, or if you’re like me on most days, your third iced tea, and let’s have a real talk.
I’m sitting here reminiscing about my girls…my three energetic, opinionated, beautiful little miracles—running around the backyard, and it hits me again. That familiar tug in my heart. One minute I’m begging them to stop growing so fast, and the next I’m cheering wildly as they master something new. Motherhood is the ultimate mix of please slow down and look how far you’ve come.
If you’re in the thick of it right now…whether you’ve got a tiny one still napping in your arms, a preschooler testing every boundary, or a big kid who suddenly wants to do everything independently—you’re not alone in feeling all the feels.
The Tiny Moments That Wreck Us (In the Best Way)
Remember when they were babies and every little milestone felt like a victory parade? First smile, first crawl, first wobbly steps. I soaked up every single one with my oldest, camera in hand, tears in my eyes. By the third, I was still emotional… but also secretly relieved when she finally slept through the night.
Now they’re older, and the milestones look different. It’s the first time they read a book by themselves. The way they comfort their sister after a meltdown. Or that quiet pride when they help set the table without being asked (okay, that one’s rare, but when it happens…pure gold).
Lately, I’ve been learning to hold both truths at once: grieving the baby cuddles and chubby cheeks while celebrating who they’re becoming. It’s bittersweet, isn’t it? Like spring flowers blooming…beautiful, but it means the tight little buds are gone forever.
Finding Joy in the Everyday Mess
Here’s what I’m reminding myself (and what I want to pass on to you): the magic isn’t just in the big milestones. It’s in the ordinary, chaotic, sticky-fingered days.
- Dance parties in the kitchen while dinner burns a little.
- Bedtime stories that turn into giggle fests and deep questions about life.
- Quiet mornings when one of them crawls into your lap for no reason at all.
These are the moments that fill(ed) my cup even when I’m running on empty. And yes, some days I still feel the mom guilt creep in—did I play with them enough? Teach them enough? Love them fiercely enough? But I’m learning that showing up imperfectly is still showing up.
Practical Ways to Cherish This Season
If you’re feeling the pull of time moving too quickly, here are a few gentle ideas that have helped our family:
- Start a “Memory Jar” — Each week, write down one sweet (or hilariously chaotic) moment on a slip of paper. Read them together at the end of the month or year. It’s a beautiful way to pause and appreciate the journey.
- One-on-One Time — Even 15-20 minutes of undivided attention with each child works wonders. No phones, just them. My girls light up when it’s their special time.
- Document the Ordinary — Take photos of the messy playroom, the crayon drawings on the fridge, or their sleepy morning faces. Those are the pictures you’ll treasure most someday.
- Speak Life Over Them — Tell them what you see in them. “I love how kind you were today” or “You worked so hard on that drawing.” They carry those words with them.
Motherhood isn’t about doing it all perfectly. It’s about loving them through the bumps, laughing at the messes, and trusting that we’re all growing together…mamas included.
So if you’re in a season of “I miss my baby” or “How are they this big already?”—breathe. You’re doing sacred, important work. These years are flying by, but the love you’re pouring out? That lasts forever.
What’s one thing you’re cherishing about your kids’ current stage right now? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to celebrate with you.
You’ve got this, mama. And you’re doing better than you think.
With love and a little coffee-stained encouragement,
Mary
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