Your Little Boy Is Growing Up

One day, he would lie still long enough for me to change his diaper and the next, he was off. These days, changing a diaper is a test of patience and willpower. One day, I was feeding him and the next, he was feeding himself. I can’t believe how quickly it happened.

I’m already sensing that I’m going to have a very strong-willed and determined toddler on my hands. I can see it now. It’s definitely going to be a very interesting year as he learns to do more and more for himself and relies on my help less and less.

There was a point in time when this little boy needed me for everything and that he wasn’t capable of doing even the most basic things on his own. Ironically, I sort of miss those days. At the same time, though, it’s amazing to see him growing and changing and learning to do things for himself. I’ve started to look forward to seeing each day’s new skill.

A few days ago, it was the sippy cup. The other night, he took his first bath in the big tub. Last night, he made his first real attempt at crawling. Tonight, I watched him scoot himself over to the one particular toy that he wanted in spite of the dozen or so that were within his reach.

The baby that always wanted nothing more than to be in my arms every moment of every day has officially decided that he’s had enough and wants to be put down – he wants to explore. This is the same little guy who wouldn’t sleep anywhere except on my chest for the first few months of his life and now sleeps by himself every night.

I look at this little boy and, honestly, if I didn’t see him every day – I wouldn’t even recognize him. That’s how quickly this transition is happening. It has literally become a matter of something different each and every day.

Do you remember the baby to toddler transition? Was it bittersweet for you – watching your little one grow and change and learn to do things on their own? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Written by: Cristi Wuenschel