If you are a new parent or about to become a first time parent, people will tell you to “enjoy it now, because you’ll miss these times”. They usually say this when your child is somehow frustrating you with their behavior. You’ll think they’re out of their mind, and while you’re right, you won’t miss the temper tantrums, loud screeches and huge messes, there are somethings you should appreciate before they’re gone.

Here’s a list of important mile markers that most parents look forward to but also have a downside.

Rolling Over
This is the first step toward your baby becoming mobile. Before this, they just lay where ever you put them. You don’t have to worry about them falling off the bed or couch and you know that baby is right where you left her. As soon as she rolls over, that’s all over. Watching the baby becomes for more active.

Crawling
Oh, so you can’t wait for your little guy to start crawling? I hope you did a good job baby proofing by this point because now they can get to that light socket with ease. They can make their way to the dog food

Walking
Walking is just crawling problems times ten. Not only can they move around, now they can reach things higher, fall down farther and bump into more corners. More dangers and bigger messes are a consequence of this wonderful new skill.

Talking
You just can’t wait for your kid to start talking? Think it will be nice when they can finally tell you what they want or what’s wrong? Yes, it is nice to finally be able to verbally communicate with your child. The problem is, once they start talking, they don’t stop. The first time you hear “Daddy” is amazing. The millionth time will cause your eye to nervously twitch.

Potty Training
This one is probably the most difficult to appreciate. While diapers aren’t fun to deal with and a child that can use the toilet is preferred, the journey from diapers to bathroom competence can be a challenge. Kids that have just graduated to big kids underwear don’t have the best timing. They don’t want to use the toilet before you leave the house (unless you’re running late), a child prefers to need a bathroom break about 5 minutes into your journey. They also have a sense for areas where there is nowhere to stop for miles.

Enjoy your kids where they are now because every milestone brings new and more difficult challenges.