Time flies, especially when raising children, marking years with their

growth and milestones. Christel Khalil, who has played Lily on The Young and the Restless since 2002, celebrated her own milestone in August 2022: 20 years on the show. Unlike her character’s dramatic life, Khalil’s real life is much brighter.

In September 2008, Khalil married Stephen Hensley, and they welcomed their son, Michael Caden Hensley, on April 17, 2010. Stephen announced Michael’s birth on X, sharing the joyous news with fans. Michael brought immense happiness into Khalil’s life, and in March 2013, she shared a picture of young Michael getting his second haircut, showcasing his vibrant personality.

Khalil has lovingly chronicled Michael’s growth over the years. In April 2013, she posted a collage on Instagram to celebrate his third birthday, showing his transformation from a newborn to a three-year-old. She reminisced about his birth, which took place at home in a birthing tub, calling it the most amazing and painful experience of her life.

Though Khalil and Hensley divorced in 2011, she continued to share moments from her son’s life with her followers. One memorable moment came in January 2014 when Khalil posted a picture of Michael standing in front of a large screen displaying a photo of her at a similar age, captioned “I think it’s safe to say we look alike #mini me.” The resemblance between mother and son was striking, and fans loved the sweet comparison.

In February 2019, Khalil shared a touching photo of herself and Michael enjoying the snow together, their close bond evident in the way they looked at each other. Khalil has often spoken about the profound impact Michael has had on her life. In a May 2019 interview with Soaps In Depth, she reflected on how becoming a mother changed her, saying, “I feel like I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t had my son.” She explained that Michael taught her countless lessons, including empathy and compassion. As a young mother, she initially thought she knew everything, but Michael showed her what truly matters in life.

In April 2022, Khalil shared a photo of Michael celebrating his 12th birthday, featuring him with a big cake and a “12” candle marking another year of growth. Khalil expressed her disbelief at how quickly time had passed, writing, “12? Where did the time go? Happy birthday to my little man.” She often reflects on how fast time flies, such as during a family trip to Italy in October 2022, where she posted photos of herself and Michael enjoying the outdoors. One fan commented, “He’ll be taller than you pretty dang soon.”

Khalil’s love for her son is evident, and she even has his name tattooed among her many others. In November 2023, Khalil shared exciting news with her fans: she posted a photo of her pregnant self, announcing that Michael was going to be a big brother. “Getting closer to meeting our baby boy,” she wrote, referring to her second child with her fiancé, Sam Rungo. By March 2024, Khalil confirmed she had given birth to another son, Remy, adding yet another way to mark the passage of time.

Christel Khalil’s journey as a mother has been filled with joy, learning, and love. Her son Michael has been a constant source of happiness and growth, teaching her invaluable life lessons. As she continues to share their life together, fans of The Young and the Restless can look forward to more heartwarming moments from this beloved star and her growing family.