‘Fixer Upper’ Star Chip Gaines Says Joanna Has Been an “Emotional Wreck” Over Family Change

Any parent will tell you: Kids grow up so fast! That’s certainly the case for Fixer Upper star and mom Joanna Gaines.

Chip and Joanna are the parents of five kids, ranging in age from 4 years old up to 17, so they’re in the midst of many milestones and life stages. But they have a big one on the horizon: Their son Drake’s high school graduation. The couple spoke to People about this upcoming transition for the family.

Chip said, “Five babies, one that just started his senior year of high school. So we’re freaking out about that.” He continued, “Jo’s been an emotional wreck. You can quote me on that.”

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Joanna explained, “I think for us, it’s the realization that we’re this tight little family unit, and we’re a bigger family. There’s seven of us, but knowing the second that one baby leaves, it changes that dynamic.”

She continued, “I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, I remember him being a baby and then how did this happen?’ So that’s where, for us, it’s like, how do you slow down time? Because we know time actually doesn’t slow down. But when you choose, and you’re intentional about what it is you do during the day and how you spend your evenings in some, I think unique way, you can actually slow time down and really savor those moments.”

Earlier this summer, Joanna shared some moments from a carefree family vacation, including footage of them playing volleyball on the beach in a tropical location. Joanna wrote, “Soaking up the last few days of summer ☀️”

Fans chimed in with messages like, “Enjoy every minute ❤️❤️❤️❤️,” “Perfection! I love the age ranges in this ♥️♥️♥️,” and “Look how much the kiddos have grown, Beautiful ????♥️♥️♥️♥️ .”

We know we can’t slow down time, but we’ll be heeding Joanna’s advice to savor every moment.