“Mama, I want to cuddle with you.” My little one slips into my lap, his forehead warm from playtime adventures. If I take a moment to close my eyes and breathe deeply, I can almost catch a whiff of the baby he used to be. These tender moments tug at my heart, a bittersweet reminder that one day he will climb down for the last time.
Now nearing 3 years old, he’s caught in the middle—no longer a baby, yet not quite a big kid. As he edges closer to that next stage, I find myself grappling with the reality of his growth. I look forward to his emerging independence but am reluctant to let go of the joyous innocence of his toddler years.
You might wonder, who would want to cling to the toddler phase? Well, it appears that’s me.
Public meltdowns and unpredictable behavior often make it tempting to rush through these years, believing that smoother sailing lies ahead. But each phase of childhood brings its own challenges, and wishing for one to end only hastens the arrival of the next. Parenthood is inherently a trade-off: for every sweet cuddle, we willingly face the reality of tantrums in the store and the frustrations of youthful indecision. Strangely enough, I’ll miss it all.
Since he’s probably my last child, watching him grow feels like grains of sand slipping through an hourglass, all too quickly disappearing before I’m ready. With every milestone, my heart swells with pride but also aches as I bid farewell to another fleeting moment. I’m concerned about his innocence—such a brilliant light at this stage. He’s blissfully unaware of the harshness of the world around him, and I worry that this light may fade under life’s scrutiny and judgment.
Confidently donning his superhero mask at the grocery store, he fully embraces who he is, unapologetic and free. I yearn to embody that same spirit. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the world could mirror his openness?
Day by day, he evolves before my eyes—a new word here, a calmer attitude there—each step pulling him further from toddlerhood. Can a mother ever truly be prepared to say goodbye to young motherhood?
I’m ready to part with diapers, sippy cups, and the Goldfish crumbs scattered across the floor, as well as the exhaustion that comes with the inevitable tantrums. However, I intend to hold on to the rest for as long as possible, and I hope he will, too.
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In summary, the transition from toddlerhood is filled with sweet memories and inevitable heartache. While I’m eager for the next chapter, I will cherish these fleeting moments for as long as I can.