In today’s digital age, with camera phones in every pocket, every waking moment can be captured. Sunrise. Sunset. Breakfast. Brunch. Selfie in the bathroom. Selfie at the park. People are constantly taking pictures.
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Because of this, it’s easy to take for granted the ability to capture moments and stow them away for later. And while our generation may get criticized for our overindulgence in documenting the seemingly mundane events in our lives, it’s something you have to embrace. After all, some moments are so sweet you never want them to end. With pictures and videos, we’re able to revisit past experiences and, in a way, relive them over again. 

Frans Hofmeester knows all about that. The Dutch artist has two children who grew up very quickly -- almost too quickly. "I was desperate to keep the memories intact," he told The Guardian. But Hofmeester understands that with the countless photographs we take these days, many are stored away and never seen again: "This is the most photographed and filmed generation ever, but what are we actually doing with these pictures?"

Hofmeester had a solution for this problem. To better remember his two children at each and every stage of their lives, he came up with a special project that gives the effect of using a time-lapse video camera. Hofmeester took brief video clips of his children every week for a number of years. Then, he strung the hundreds of clips together and made a comprehensive film.

He started with his daughter, Lotte, and did the same when his son Vince was born. Three years ago, he posted his first time-lapse video to YouTube, which showed Lotte from birth to 12 years of age. The video has been viewed more than 5 million times. 

Two years later, Hofmeester posted an updated time-lapse video, this one showing Lotte from birth to 14 years of age. The four-minute-long clip became an Internet sensation, accumulating nearly 30 million views (and counting). He also released a similar video of Vince, which received acclaim from viewers as well.

On Oct. 27, he posted another update to the series, featuring Lotte's progression to age 16. The extraordinary time-lapse film shows his baby girl develop into a young woman, week by week. It can be seen below. 

"I think the reception has been so strong because the film speaks to people," Hofmeester told The Guardian, "It carries a message about living your life, and enjoying every moment of having your children with you."

Time-lapse videos are certainly a creative and visually appealing way to document changes in your life -- no matter how minor or major those changes may be. Below, watch Lotte as she grows up right in front of your eyes.