They Grow Like Grass: Yesterday’s Baby, Today’s Toddler

It’s a funny thing, parenthood. One moment you're carefully buckling a tiny newborn into a car seat for their first ride home, marveling at how impossibly small they seem. Suddenly—without warning—you find yourself chasing after that same tiny human, who is now racing through the house, laughing loudly, speaking in surprisingly complete sentences, and confidently exploring every corner of the world around them.

You blink, and they've grown. Like grass after a rainstorm, quietly and steadily sprouting overnight until you look up one day and realize just how tall and capable they've become.

Remember that first day stepping outside with your baby, gingerly shielding them from the sun and marveling at their squinted eyes trying to make sense of the world? I bet you thought you'd never forget that tiny moment—and you probably haven’t—but now that same child confidently points out birds, bugs, clouds, and negotiates passionately for an extra snack or five more minutes of playtime.

We recently found ourselves in shock when our toddler spontaneously performed a full "parent mimicry" routine, imitating our tired sighs and coffee-drinking habits perfectly. It was both hilarious and eye-opening, showing just how closely these little ones observe and learn from us every single day.

There's a quiet ache mixed with pride in noticing this growth. We celebrate every milestone, clapping for their independence and encouraging every new adventure, even as a small voice inside whispers, "Slow down, you're growing up too fast."

If you’re a new parent, let this remind you to cherish those seemingly endless late-night feedings and diaper changes. Yes, they feel exhausting now, but trust me—soon you'll surprisingly miss the tiny newborn days. And if you’re a seasoned parent, you already know to hold each moment tight because, in what feels like the blink of an eye, toddlers become big kids, and big kids become teens with opinions and independence (and probably eye-rolls).

Maybe the bittersweet beauty of parenting is found in this constant tug-of-war between holding them close and letting them run free, between preserving memories and encouraging growth. It teaches us patience, humility, and the invaluable lesson that the smallest moments often hold the greatest significance.

Our kids grow like grass, thriving, and stretching toward the sky. As parents, we're gardeners, doing our best to nurture, guide, and step back to let them flourish. So take photos, write down those silly sayings, enjoy their quirky behaviors, and relish the messy chaos. Because tomorrow, they'll be a little taller, a little wiser, and a bit further along their journey. And somehow, knowing how quickly it all happens makes each fleeting moment even sweeter.

So here’s to today—may you savor the small, the messy, and the memorable moments. After all, the grass grows quietly, but beautifully—and so do our children.