Confession: I love the 1-year-old phase.

Our youngest is one and such a joy to be around. He’s still so cuddly, finds such joy in the smallest things, is learning new things every day, and smiles at every little thing his big brother and sister do.

I love the 3-year-old phase.

Our only girl is three. She has a flair for the dramatic, but she is very forthright with her feelings. “I’m having a hard time.” “I just miss my daddy when he’s at the Fire House.” “I’m a princess.” “God made me beautiful.” She is quick to be a helper and loves snuggling with her brothers and playing both princess and superhero.

RELATED: The Secret No One Told Me About the Toddler Years is How Much I Could Absolutely Love Them

I love the 6-year-old phase.

Our oldest is six and starting to try and overcome some of his fears. He rode a pony last weekend after going through a phase of not wanting to be in close proximity to certain animals. He has big, big dreams. He is always up at the crack of dawn and is so enthusiastic about whatever the day will hold. He loves to help and notices every little detail.

Each phase has both hard and beautiful.

Each phase has both obstacles and blessings.

Each phase has both things we will miss and things we are thankful to overcome.

Each phase requires utter dependence on Christ.

Each phase brings different emotional and physical fatigue for parents.

RELATED: I Get To Watch You Grow Up

I often get caught up in ages and stages and milestones and check marks.

I often fall to my feelings and want so badly to hold on to the idea of having tiny babies forever.

But, the reality is—the most beautiful stages are the ones our children are in.

However, right now, I’m thrilled that ours are still tiny enough to snuggle and light up when we walk into the room. They kiss us goodbye when we drop them off and they light up our world like fireflies swarming a dark summer night’s sky.

May we never forget to look for the things we love about the stage our children are in. Hold on to those.

Regardless of how tall and independent they grow—they’ll always be our babies.

Originally published on the author’s blog

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Lizzy Christian

Lizzy Christian is a toddler-chasing, coffee-sipping, firefighter wife, and vacuuming enthusiast who has a passion for writing. She is the founder of the Fire Wife Chronicles, which is geared on topics of motherhood, marriage, faith, & first responder family life. Lizzy received her undergrad in Crisis Counseling from Liberty University and her Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling – Crisis Response and Trauma from Liberty University’s Graduate School. She is a two-time NYC Marathon finisher and avid runner, and former School Counselor and Athletic Director. Lizzy married her high school sweetheart and together they have two sons and a daughter. Visit www.lizzychristian.com for additional resources and upcoming projects. 

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