I can’t count how many times I’ve looked at my kids and thought, “Please stay little just a little bit longer.”
Motherhood moves fast. The days are long, the years are short—and sometimes, even the sweet moments blur together in the noise of real life.
I used to think I’d remember it all. The sound of their little voices, the way their hands felt in mine, the funny way they said certain words. But the truth is, memories fade. And that realization hit me harder than I expected.
If you’re like me—craving ways to hold onto the tiny things—this list is for you. Whether you’re a brand-new mama or a seasoned one, here are 10 simple ways to slow down and remember the everyday magic of motherhood.
1. Write One Sentence a Day
It doesn’t have to be a full journal entry. Just one sentence.
“Today you wore rain boots in the bathtub.”
“Today you said, ‘I love you all the way to the mailbox and back.’”
Capture the ordinary. That’s what becomes extraordinary.
2. Use the Voice Memo App
Their voice is one of the first things that changes. Record it.
Their giggles. Storytelling. Even tantrums (you’ll laugh one day).
Create a folder on your phone labeled “Sounds of Us.”
3. Take More Photos of the Messy Middle
Not just the milestones—the moments in between.
Them asleep on your chest. Snack crumbs on the couch. Silly faces during dinner.
These imperfect photos hold the real story of your life right now.
4. Start a Shared Family Email Address
Create an email account and send little love notes or stories to it.
One day, give them the password. It’ll be a time capsule of memories.
5. Save the Funny Things They Say
Use the Notes app, or get a tiny notebook labeled “Kid Quotes.”
Examples from my own kids:
“Mom, can we stop for ice-cream? I’m thirsty and ice-cream, is the same as drinking milk.” -PJ August 2019
6. Let Them Take the Pictures Sometimes
Hand over your phone or a kid-friendly camera.
You’ll be surprised what they see—and it’s a sweet window into their perspective of childhood.
7. Take a Monthly “Day in the Life” Snapshot
Once a month, pick a day to document everything:
- A photo of breakfast
- A video of the school drop-off line
- A note about your mood
- Their favorite song that week
You’ll treasure these glimpses into the “regular” days.
8. Print Photos (Even If They’re Not Perfect)
Don’t let your memories live and die on your phone.
Print out a few photos every month. Hang them, scrapbook them, or toss them in a shoebox.
Your future self will be so grateful.
9. Write Letters to Future You
Write a letter to your future self on a hard day or a beautiful one.
“Today was chaos, but you still made them laugh.”
“Don’t forget how little their shoes were.”
I really like using two separate notebooks and writing letters to my kids for the future, too. This is the same as sending emails, but better for those of you who’d rather your notes be handwritten.
10. Get in the Frame
I know. It’s hard. You feel tired. You think you look rough.
But one day, your kids will want to see you—in the frame, loving them, being present.
Let them have that.
Final Thoughts: Motherhood Isn’t About the Big Moments—It’s a Million Little Ones
You don’t have to do all of these things. Even one or two will help you hold onto what matters most.
And if you ever need a reminder that this season is worth remembering—not because it’s perfect, but because it’s yours—you’re not alone. I’m right here with you, soaking in the magic one tiny moment at a time.
—
If you loved this post and want more honest reflections on motherhood, identity, and slowing down, I share weekly over on Instagram and here on my blog. Come say hi—I’d love to connect.
