Joanna Gaines was feeling all the emotions as she watched her firstborn Drake, 17, graduate from high school this week.
The Fixer Upper star took to Instagram to reflect on the poignant milestone in her firstborn's life, posting a montage featuring pictures of her teenager throughout the years.
These included photos of him in present day - looking all grown up - as well as baby pictures. In the caption, the proud parent wrote: "It feels like just yesterday that we were cheering him on as he took his first steps…but last weekend, as he walked across the stage to receive his high school diploma (!!) we were cheering him on as he took his first steps into a world beyond what he’s known. We’re so proud of you, Drake."
Joanna and husband Chip Gaines are also parents to Ella, 16, Duke, 14, Emmie, 12, and Crew, four.
In a second post from Drake's graduation, Joanna shared a photo of her oldest son sitting in the front row at the ceremony, wearing his mortarboard hat while his youngest sibling Crew sat on his lap. "Melt.My.Heart," Joanna captioned the image.
This isn't the first time that Joanna has opened up about her firstborn growing up. Reflecting on him leaving home in the near future in Magnolia Journal, the mom-of-five said: "Soon, our oldest son, Drake, will be leaving home for college.
"In the grand scheme of heartbreaking things, this one comes with a lot of gratitude and excitement. But still, my first child is moving away, and our family dynamic will change because of it, and that can feel like a loss of its own."
MORE: Joanna Gaines' husband Chip's opinion on divorce as he opens up about their relationship
MORE: Chip and Joanna Gaines' son steals the show in rare family video
Joanna opened up about how quickly her children have grown in an interview with People last year. She said: "When [Drake] was Crew's age, people would look at me and say, 'Oh, you better hold on tight. It goes by fast.'
© Getty Images"Now, being a mother of a four-year-old and an almost 18-year-old, it's a constant reminder to not take these moments for granted." Speaking about her family's close bond, she added that her children are always there cheering her on.
MORE: Joanna Gaines discusses heartbreak and surrender in 20 year marriage
MORE: Joanna Gaines shares emotional family story
"They're encouraging me as I walk out the door like, 'Mom, you've got this. Just be yourself, have fun. "Sometimes I feel like they're the parents," she said. "I always thought, 'I'm the mom, I should have the answers.'
© Joanna Gaines on Instagram"The older I've gotten, I've realized the more humanity these kids can see in me, the more we're going to connect."
TRENDING STORY: Dylan Dreyer steps away from Today for much-anticipated reason
MORE: Magnolia Network star Joanna Gaines shares adorable family video that has fans saying the same thing
"I want them to see the highs and lows, so when they're feeling anxieties about school or relationships, they know it's a safe place for them to come to me," she added.
See below more photos of Joanna Gaines and her family
© Joanna Gaines on Instagram
Read more HELLO! US stories here
Want to keep up to date with the latest stories? Sign up to our HELLO! Newsletters today.
