Baby milestones are a big deal, regardless of how many boxes you check off on a medical history form at the doctor’s office. They’re a big deal because your child is learning, growing, and transitioning from a dependent baby to an independent toddler. In our house, this transition will take extra time. The learning and growing happens over weeks or months only to reach one stepping stone of a milestone.

It’s almost impossible not to focus on Hannah’s progress when I can’t go a week without someone asking me if she’s crawling, walking, dancing, or talking yet. I’ve finally perfected my response, which was previously a gaping mouth and deer-in-headlights stare. Now I simply say “No, not yet” and when the other person gives a concern look I follow up with “Hannah’s on her own schedule.” Anyone who knows Hannah understands my response and for everyone else, well…I don’t owe them an explanation.

Typically, I try to stay away from any social media links or stories about milestone schedules; however, I came across one the other morning that piqued my interest. The picture on Pinterest showed the words “Important Milestones You Won’t Find in Baby Books” written across a diapered bum. The list included a few moments we have experienced and a few I hope we can avoid.

The first time you get pooped on – Hannah pooped on me while we were cuddling post-birth. I can’t wait to tell her that when she’s older and being sassy.

The first time you cry when your baby cries – Not yet, surprisingly.

The first day all the other moms seem to know what they are doing – The first day? How about every time I go out in public, sporting yoga pants and dirty hair, struggling to balance the carseat, diaper bag, and whatever else I was silly enough to bring. Then I look up and see another mom dressed like a functioning member of society with 4 well-behaved kids in tow, buying craft supplies to do some crazy Pinterest project. Yeah..I’m not the least bit jealous.

The first tantrum – Let’s call this a meltdown instead. It was 3 weeks after Hannah’s surgery and we were at our friends’ house. Out of nowhere Hannah started screaming and crying. She didn’t want the bottle or pacifier. She didn’t want to be held or laying down. She didn’t want gas drops of Tylenol. She and I were sweaty, exhausted messes when Pete and I finally decided to leave, which was exactly when Hannah stopped crying.

The first time the baby throws an entire plate of food – The pediatrician recommended letting Hannah play with her food or hold a spoon to see if she can find her mouth. Well, let me warn you that a spoonful of applesauce travels farther than you’d expect when thrown by a 1 year old.

The first time she figures out how to remove the diaper – Thank goodness we aren’t at this stage yet! Our wiggly little girl is starting to learn how to evade a clean diaper by rolling over.

The first night you literally get no sleep – I can’t even blame a restless baby for this since Hannah slept through the night at an early age. The week before I went back to work was plagued with anxiety dreams and very little sleep.

The first day you realize you’re amazing – The first day, a good week after she was born, that Hannah and I were home all by ourselves and we both survived.

And I’m adding this one to the list…

The first time your heart explodes with love – The first time Hannah saw me and reached out for me.