This morning, as I navigated through traffic, my three-year-old was throwing a classic tantrum. What’s new, right? As he shouted, “I JUST WANT WAFFLES AND TACOS ALL THE TIIIIIME!” I realized that at nearly seven months pregnant, my connection to this little one has never been stronger. Let’s dive into the six ways toddlerhood and pregnancy are surprisingly alike:
1. Cravings Galore:
Whether it’s ice cream before dinner or a secret stash of snacks, both toddlers and pregnant women have a knack for unusual cravings. One moment, a single Cheerio might tumble out of his pant leg, and the next, I might discover a Frito in my own bra. The mere thought of a banana can make us gag, while the overwhelming desire for an entire carton of strawberries can strike at any moment. When we want something, there’s no stopping us—beware of flying forks!
2. Ill-Fitting Attire:
Our bodies are in constant flux, leading to a wardrobe crisis for both of us. It’s no surprise when my child outgrows those cute baby shoes within weeks. Meanwhile, I’ve transitioned from my “just bloated” pants to full-blown third-trimester attire that might as well be a tent. And those beloved shirts? They seem to vanish just as quickly as my favorite jeans, which are now hidden at the back of my closet, hoping for a future where I can wear them again.
3. Pee Problems:
Let’s address the big, wet elephant in the room—our inability to control our bladders. Both toddlers and pregnant women often find themselves in situations where a bathroom is desperately needed. Whether it’s a long church service or a bumpy road trip, we know that “pee happens.” Don’t expect us to make it through the night unscathed!
4. The Gas Game:
Have you noticed how, when an unpleasant odor wafts through the air, everyone immediately turns to stare at the toddler or the visibly pregnant woman? We both share that look of indignation over the blame being placed on us. We’d like to remind you that it could very well be the old gentleman in the corner—let’s not jump to conclusions!
5. Memory Mayhem:
Keeping track of details can be a challenge for both of us. “Mommy, where’s my firetruck?” or “What’s for dinner?” are common questions, while I struggle to recall my child’s second birthday or the name of our pediatrician when in a pinch. Give us a moment to sort through the mental chaos—sometimes a juice box helps clear the brain fog!
6. Emotional Rollercoaster:
The mood swings we experience can be intense. One moment, I might be seething over my child’s mischief while the next, I’m doubled over in laughter at a fart joke. It’s a whirlwind of emotions that can leave onlookers bewildered. Our feelings might seem exaggerated, but they’re both very real and profound. And please, don’t label me as hormonal—just acknowledge that life is a chaotic ride for both of us.
So, the next time my son declares, “I don’t love you or your carrots!” I’ll try to understand his emotional outburst better. I’ll cherish the unique bond we share, even if it’s just for a few more weeks. Together, we can enjoy a plate of waffles and tacos while sharing a laugh over booger jokes until, inevitably, we find ourselves in need of a bathroom.
For more insights into parenting and pregnancy, check out this post on Cervical Insemination. If you’re considering at-home insemination, Make A Mom offers reliable insemination kits to support your journey. Additionally, CCRM IVF provides a wealth of resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, both toddlerhood and pregnancy present challenges and experiences that are strikingly similar. From cravings and emotional swings to wardrobe malfunctions and bathroom emergencies, these two stages of life are more interconnected than we might think.
Leave a Reply