… for it will be gone all too soon. It’s been nearly 12 months since her birth, and our baby is walking with increasing confidence. She explores the entire house and climbs sofas, beds, and even me. We’re also finding things in odd places. It’s clear that babyhood is ending, making way for toddlerhood.
In 12 months we’ve seen her grow from helpless newborn through to walking toddler. It’s been an amazing 12 months, full of both great joy and great challenge. We’ve experienced the exhaustion of the “fourth trimester” (first 3 months), and the joy of watching her grow and learn.
Sometimes we’ve complained about all the attention she demands, and how she wants us the most when we really need to get something done, or we really need to pee. Yet, now that she’s almost a toddler, we find ourselves wishing she could remain a baby just a little longer.
At the same time, her learning is accelerating. She’s interacting more and more, enjoys figuring out new things, and is clearly learning what words mean. It’s a joy to watch. Toddlerhood should be a wonderful new family adventure.
Enjoy Each Stage for What It Is
We’re reminding ourselves almost daily to enjoy each stage of our baby’s development for what it is. Today our child demands a lot of attention from Mama and Papa, but soon she’ll want to explore on her own. And on that day we’ll miss spending so much time with her.
At the same time, our child gaining more independence will open the door to new activities. She’ll be able to help out in the kitchen, baking and cooking yummy food. Then there’s arts and crafts, and building things. We’ll be able to take her to playgrounds and actually play. Slides, swings, water slides, zoos and hiking; the whole world will open up. I’m also dreaming about the day that she’s potty trained…
There’s so much to look forward to. Sure, many challenges also await us and there are sure to be plenty of trying moments. But, make sure you don’t get so caught up in the problems that you fail to enjoy what’s good. Each stage occurs only once. Here today, and gone tomorrow forever. You only get one chance to enjoy babyhood… per child, that is. 😉
Cover photo credit: Image by sathyatripodi.
