You never know.

Before that late-night feeding.

Or that hand hold as you stroll along the sidewalk.

Before the leap into your arms.

That giggle-filled bubble bath.

Before the snuggle into your chest.

Or that cry for you in the middle of the night.

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Before that sweet, slobbery, open-mouthed kiss.

And that precious voice calling out for Mama.

You never know.

Before that help balancing without training wheels.

That cuddle on the couch.

Before holding them close after a bad dream.

Or that uneasy walk somehow becomes a run.

Before they start pronouncing that word right.

And that afternoon nap spent on your chest instead of their bed.

You never know.

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There’s no warning.

No announcement.

No alarm that rings or bell that tolls, telling you to soak it up.

Stop rushing it.

Cherish the moment.

Breathe it in.

Because it’s the last.

So instead, that last will come.

And it will go.

And, tomorrow, things will be just a little bit different.

She’ll be a little bit older.

He’ll be a little bit taller.

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So just remember: you never know.

This one?

It just might be the last.

And that next chapter?

It’s going to be mighty beautiful, in its own way.

But don’t forget to relish in this chapter.

The one unfolding before you, right now.

Because that last will come and go.

As for when?

You never know.