You planted a wet, sloppy kiss on my cheek and said so earnestly, “I love you, Mommy.” My heart almost burst from the mix of love and absolute gratefulness of being your mama. But as I was waiting for that wet, little kiss to dry, it dawned on me that before I know it, you won’t be the sweet little toddler who runs into my arms and plants sloppy kisses on my cheeks. 

Before I know it these toddler days that are equal parts joy and frustration will be gone. 

These days with you as my firstborn toddler are days we have both never experienced before and we are both learning together. 

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You are learning to grow up, and I am learning to let go, little by little. 

These toddler days are so hard, but oh, they are so beautiful and perfect too. 

Until you, I had never known such love.

Until you, I had never known such anger.

Until you, I had never known such simultaneous fear and excitement about you growing up and me having to let you go. 

My sweet boy, your toddler years have been one of the most trying, yet fulfilling seasons of my life. 

Because while you were changing from a baby to a little boy with the cutest personality, I was growing from the mama of a baby to the mama of a toddler. 

We both had meltdowns and needed hugs.

We both lost our tempers and did things we regretted.

We both continued to love and forgive each other as we navigated this new stage of growth. 

But we did it together.

And there is no one else I would rather learn with than you, my sweet boy. 

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I am so looking forward to experiencing each and every stage of growth with you, but these years will forever be some of my most cherished memories.

Because hard seasons do not have to mean bad seasons. 

Often it is the hard seasons that grow us the most and give us the most vivid, beautiful memories. 

And for that, I will forever be grateful.