Britney Spears wishes she could pause time.
The "Lucky" artist got emotional in a new Instagram post on Friday, Oct. 22, while reflecting on what it's been like to watch her two teenage sons grow up.
She shares custody of Sean Preston Federline, 16, and Jayden James Federline, 15, with ex-husband Kevin Federline, and although the boys still have a few more years before leaving the nest, Britney knows they'll always be her "babies."
"So bittersweet to see them get older," she wrote alongside throwback photos of the brothers enjoying a day at the beach with mom.
Britney asked, "why can't they just stay babies forever ??? They will always be MINE !!!!!" See the pics here.
The singer is usually private about her life with her sons, but Britney gave an update in September in honor of their birthdays. "Unfortunately they are growing up and want to do their own things," she wrote at the time. "I have to ask their permission to post them because they are extremely independent little men."
She also posted a quote that read, "There is nothing stronger than the love between a mother and a son."
Earlier this month, fans got a rare glimpse of Jayden and Sean—all grown up—when one of Kevin's friends shared a pic of the boys twinning in black jackets and white shirts. Eddie Morales, who is the CEO of Movision Entertainment, explained in his caption that he treats the teens like his "nephews."
"During times of grief knowing u have #family really feels worth living," Eddie wrote. "Talk bout seeing my nephews when they were pods smaller then [sic] my hands now look at #life."
With Britney now engaged to Sam Asghari, a source told E! News that he is very much a "part" of the boys' lives as well.
The insider said Britney and Sam act like a "family" with her sons, and Sam hopes the couple can have kids of their own.
"They have a good relationship and that's what matters," the source added of Sean and Jayden. "They really like Sam, and they like Sam for Britney, and he's been really supportive of them."
See more of Britney's cutest family moments below.