The journey of parenthood is filled with moments that tug at the heartstrings, and for HGTV stars Heather Rae El Moussa and Tarek El Moussa, their youngest son, Tristan, just hit a milestone that’s equal parts exciting and bittersweet. At just two years old, Tristan is already taking his first steps toward independence, dipping his toes into the world of preschool with a “drop-in” day that left his parents beaming with pride. On August 6, 2025, Heather shared the adorable moment on Instagram, giving fans a front-row seat to this pivotal chapter in their family’s story. The post, brimming with joy and a touch of nostalgia, captures the universal experience of watching a child grow up faster than you can say “backpack.” Here’s a deep dive into Tristan’s preschool adventure, the El Moussas’ blended family dynamic, and the emotional rollercoaster of parenting a toddler who’s ready to take on the world.

A Big Day for a Little Guy

Tristan Jay El Moussa, born January 31, 2023, is the youngest member of the El Moussa clan, and his recent preschool “drop-in” day marked a significant milestone. Heather, 37, shared a carousel of photos on Instagram that showed her towheaded toddler looking every bit the big kid, clutching a dinosaur-themed backpack and lunchbox. Dressed in a blue T-shirt, black shorts, and white sneakers adorned with blue dolphins, Tristan’s bright smile and curious eyes radiated excitement. The “drop-in” day wasn’t a full commitment to preschool just yet, but it was a chance for Tristan to explore a classroom, mingle with other kids, and get a taste of what’s to come. For Heather, it was a moment to celebrate her son’s growing independence while grappling with the reality that her baby boy is no longer a baby.

The journey of parenthood is filled with moments that tug at the heartstrings, and for HGTV stars Heather Rae El Moussa

“My mama heart 🥹 My sweet boy had a ‘drop in’ at the sweetest little preschool today,” Heather wrote in her Instagram caption, her words dripping with the mix of pride and disbelief that every parent feels when their child hits a new stage. She added, “Even though we are not ready for preschool just yet… I am so proud of him and so happy that he loved it so much. And I’m proud of myself lol mama handled it well!” The post wrapped up with a heartwarming video of Heather wrapping her arms around Tristan, planting a kiss on his cheek as he grinned, clearly thrilled by his big day. It’s the kind of moment that makes you want to freeze time, even as you cheer for what’s next.

The Emotional Weight of Milestones

For Heather, this preschool visit wasn’t just about Tristan’s first brush with school—it was a testament to her own growth as a mom. The Selling Sunset alum, who’s also stepmom to Tarek’s two older children, Taylor, 14, and Brayden, 9, from his previous marriage to Christina Haack, has been open about the transformative power of motherhood. Tristan’s birth, which came after a surprising natural pregnancy during an IVF journey, was a “dream come true” for Heather, who hadn’t always envisioned herself as a mom. “I think when you least expect it and there’s no stress in your life, the world just brought us what was meant to be,” she told PEOPLE in July 2022, reflecting on the unexpected joy of expecting Tristan.

That joy has only deepened, but it comes with the inevitable pangs of watching time slip away. Heather’s followers echoed her sentiments in the comments section of her Instagram post, with actress Korrina Rico writing, “Where did the time go 😢😢?” Another fan chimed in, “Preschool??? He was just born🥹🥹🥹❤️❤️,” while others noted, “He’s growing up so fast 🥺💙💙💙💙💙” and “Omg big moment!! So cute!!” The outpouring of love underscored a universal truth: watching a child grow is a beautiful, bittersweet ride. For Heather, who’s been intentional about soaking up every cuddle and giggle, Tristan’s preschool adventure is a reminder to cherish the chaos of toddlerhood before it gives way to new chapters.

A Blended Family Built on Love

The El Moussas are no strangers to navigating the complexities of a blended family. Tarek, 43, shares Taylor and Brayden with his ex-wife, Christina Haack, and the couple has worked hard to maintain a positive co-parenting dynamic. Heather stepped into the role of stepmom with open-hearted commitment, writing on Instagram after her 2021 wedding to Tarek, “When your daddy and I decided to be fully committed, I was 100 percent committing myself to you too.” That commitment shines through in the family’s milestones, from celebrating Tristan’s first Easter in 2023 to their chaotic, love-filled Christmas in 2024, where the couple shared snaps of their blended family of five, even if Tristan wasn’t thrilled about posing for the holiday selfie.

Heather’s role as a stepmom has also shaped her perspective on motherhood. She’s spoken candidly about how Taylor and Brayden inspired her desire to have a child of her own, telling The Jennifer Hudson Show in May 2023, “I have two beautiful step kids and they’re incredible and they made me want to have babies.” The couple’s journey to welcome Tristan was anything but straightforward, with a “scary” birth experience that Heather detailed on Instagram. Tristan’s heart rate dropped during labor, and Heather pushed so hard she broke blood vessels in her face and chest. Yet, the moment he arrived—healthy and beautiful—she was overwhelmed with love. “I was in a state of shock it was a surreal experience,” she shared. “I was emotional and drained & so in love already.”

Redefining Friday Nights and Family Dreams

Heather’s recent posts also highlight how motherhood has reshaped her life in the best ways. In a July 2025 Instagram Reel, she shared a relatable “before and after” glimpse of her Friday nights. The clip started with scenes of her pre-mom days—heels, dinner reservations, and drinks with friends—before cutting to her current reality: PJs by 7 p.m., toddler dance parties, and bedtime snack negotiations with Tristan. “Wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she captioned, embracing the shift from party nights to cozy moments. It’s a sentiment that resonates with parents everywhere, as the chaos of raising a toddler becomes the heartbeat of daily life.

The preschool milestone comes at a time when Heather and Tarek are also navigating big decisions about their family’s future. Heather has been vocal about wanting to expand their brood, telling the “Scrubbing In with Becca Tilley & Tanya Rad” podcast in March 2025, “Tristan is, like, the light of my life. It makes me so happy. I’m like, ‘How could I not want more?’” Tarek, however, is less certain, having already raised two older children. The couple has turned to therapy to work through their differing views, with Heather telling E! News, “We’ve have to talk daddy into it,” and Tarek adding, “Who knows? You just never know what’s gonna happen.” For now, they’re focused on cherishing their time with Tristan and his siblings, whether it’s beach days, Disneyland trips, or moving into their new $5.2 million mansion, which they unveiled in June 2025.

A New Chapter in a New Home

The El Moussas’ move to a new home in Orange County, just a four-minute drive from Christina Haack’s residence, is another exciting chapter for the family. The four-bedroom, four-bathroom mansion, which they snagged at a discount before Christmas 2024, is a canvas for their signature “El Moussa design flair.” Heather shared glimpses of the modern abode in August 2025, posting photos of her hugging Tristan on their cozy white couch and peeking out the front door’s small windows as he “waited” for her return from a girls’ weekend. The move brings them closer to Taylor and Brayden, making co-parenting easier and family time more seamless.

As Tristan prepares for preschool, the El Moussas are embracing the journey of raising their “little bear” while juggling the demands of their HGTV careers and blended family life. Heather’s pride in her son’s preschool drop-in day—and in herself for handling it with grace—reflects the strength and love that define their story. Tristan may not be starting preschool just yet, but his big smile and dinosaur backpack signal he’s ready for whatever adventures lie ahead. For Heather and Tarek, it’s a reminder to savor every moment, knowing that time moves fast, but the love they share with their kids will always be the foundation of their home.