I remember my old editor saying to me when I was pregnant with Little I, that although you might think the early years are the best, in fact it keeps on getting better and better. I took it to heart and recently a few friends have reiterated that sentiment.

Tonight I think I hit my favourite stage yet as a parent, based on the following conversation at bath time…

Little I: “When I grow up, I want to be a Mummy like you; I want to be ‘Wendy’”.

Me: “Why do you want to be like me?”

Little I: “Because you’re very nice to me, and I want to be just like you.”

That’s easily the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I rushed to write it down before I forgot her exact words, as I wanted to treasure them forever. If my three-year-old daughter wants to be like me, then surely I must be doing something right as a parent!

I remember the first time Little I smiled at me, the first time I made her laugh, the first time she cuddled and kissed me, and the first time she told me she loved me. Those are the moments that you really treasure as a Mum, as they are what make it all worthwhile. There’s no denying that being a parent is hard work, but when your child tells you that they appreciate you and recognise how well you look after them, it means the world doesn’t it?

How about you? What has been your favourite age so far? Do you agree that every year gets better and better, or do you sometimes wish that you could turn back the clocks to a particular age?