I found this sign posted just outside my boys room the other day- “girls do not come in, only moms”.  It’s these stages that are priceless as our kids grow up.  I’m sure that within a few years my boys will change the No Girls Allowed attitude, but for now girls have cooties and they have sworn them off.  What are some of your favorite stages of your kids growing up?  Here are a few I’ve noticed-

• Cling to mommy- don’t let ANYONE else hold me!
• I have my own language
• I can do it myself- even if it’s just barely or I really can’t, I want to try.
• Do it for me even though I can do it myself- serve me.
• Big helper- wanting to help do everything
• Explorer- figuring everything out near and far
• Tumbler- I can do a summer salt!
• Lots of love- saying “I love you” and giving kisses and hugs all the time
• No love for you- I don’t want to give hugs and kisses, MAYBE I’ll blow you a kiss
• I have a favorite movie, play it all day!
• I want to wear this shirt EVERY day
• Girls have cooties
• I have a girlfriend/boyfriend in my class
• I have homework! – yey!!
• I have homework!- boo!
• I’m hungry ALL the time
• I don’t want to eat
• friends today, not tomorrow (and vice versa)
• I want to participate with every school activity
• ugh, the school’s MAKING me do something
• Can I take another bath today?
• The “stinky” stage- where you have to MAKE them take a bath or shower (hopefully followed by a normal shower stage)