“Relish these moments,” a woman remarked to me in line at the grocery store. “Time flies so fast.” This sentiment is not unfamiliar to many parents. I’ve encountered phrases like, “Before you know it, they’ll be teenagers,” and, “You’ll wake up one day, and they’ll be preparing for marriage.” If I had a burrito for every time someone hinted that I might not be fully appreciating every second as a mother, I’d be uncomfortably full and in dire need of a breath mint, as these comments are quite common.
For a long time, such remarks made me want to react with frustration. They often came during chaotic moments—like when my toddler was finally distracted in the shopping cart, nibbling on a cracker I had hastily grabbed as a diversion from the colorful mug display. Sometimes, these comments were offered when I was clearly overwhelmed, hair askew, mismatched socks, and juggling a wiggly 23-pound child, all while trying to navigate my way out of a store. The timing felt off, as if the observers were judging my parenting instead of empathizing with my struggles.
Initially, my instinct was to respond defensively. “Are you suggesting that I’m not cherishing every fleeting moment with my child?” I thought, rather than offering the polite acknowledgment that typically escaped my lips so I could make a swift exit before a meltdown ensued.
However, I have come to realize that these comments are more reflective of the speaker’s own experiences than they are of my parenting. Just tonight, while cuddling with my now 19-month-old daughter, I found myself marveling at her growing vocabulary as she said goodnight to an array of toys and family members. In recent days, her language has exploded, with several new words surfacing daily. She eagerly asks us to recite the alphabet and manages to string together phrases that leave me in awe.
Yet, parenting is not solely about these delightful milestones. There have been challenging moments too: the struggles of breastfeeding, the exhausting “witching hour,” postpartum anxiety, and the inevitable mom guilt. Currently, we are navigating the tumult of tantrums. It’s a mixed bag of experiences—the joyful triumphs and the difficult trials, all happening in what feels like an instant.
It’s akin to riding a thrilling yet terrifying roller coaster. Each moment is precious, and while I brace for the inevitable changes, I also wish they wouldn’t come so swiftly. The old adage is true: “It goes by so fast.”
I still vividly remember the intensity of my labor, the overwhelming joy of holding my newborn, and the bittersweet realization that those first outfits I brought were too big for her tiny frame. All of these experiences, from the challenging early days to the joyous ones, seem to have occurred just moments ago.
The woman in the grocery store, watching my daughter’s antics, is likely reflecting on her own journey through motherhood—the fleeting milestones, the moments of joy and difficulty, and perhaps the bittersweet nostalgia of seeing her own children grow. She is sharing a perspective shaped by her experiences, wishing to impart the wisdom of appreciating each fleeting moment.
So, the next time someone tells me, “Before you know it, she’ll be driving,” I’ll respond more genuinely, “Thank you. I truly will savor every moment.” For more insights on this topic, you can check out our other blog post here. Additionally, for those on a fertility journey, Make A Mom provides excellent resources. For broader information on pregnancy and home insemination, Kindbody is a fantastic source.
In summary, while the journey of parenting is filled with both delightful and challenging moments, it serves as a reminder to embrace each instant, as time truly does pass quickly.