Her tiny face captures my heart, and surprisingly, she’s not yet 6—she’s just a little 2-year-old. In this bubble bath, her expression mirrors the joy I see now, both moments wrapped in the warmth of soapy water.
Let’s be real: motherhood is incredibly challenging. The guilt of being a mom? That’s no joke. Striking a balance between nurturing my kids and maintaining my relationship with my partner? That’s a tall order. Those lighthearted comments about needing coffee or wine? They’re only half in jest.
Honestly, I’m relieved I didn’t grasp just how tough parenting would be before diving in—I might have thought twice. I’m thankful I didn’t know that kids won’t just fall into a sleep schedule like some parenting blogs claim. I’m grateful I didn’t foresee the limits of my patience being tested beyond what I ever imagined. I’m glad I was unaware that the self-love lessons I had learned would be put to the ultimate test by relentless mother guilt.
But then, all those worries wash away as I watch her pour bathwater over herself with a cup from her tea set. My thoughts about how my body looks, my workout routine (or lack thereof), and the infrequency of my solo bathroom trips fade away. They disappear as I gaze into her sweet face, engrossed in her playtime.
I often wish I could rewind the clock to cradle my little one without the weight of future worries. But that’s not possible, so I reach out to my 6-year-old with gratitude instead. I want to remind my new-mom self to rest and not exhaust myself fretting over what lies ahead. But I can’t, so I take care of myself as best as I can now.
I wish I could tell my earlier self to cherish those moments with my husband. To value our love amidst the chaos of parenting. But I can’t, so I kiss him and hold him close, striving to balance love for all my special people.
I want to reassure my first-time mom self that I don’t need to seek validation. But I can’t, so I embrace the changes in my body after two pregnancies and recognize my beauty and strength. I wish I could tell my second-time mom self that it’s okay not to give this new baby the same undivided attention as my first. But I can’t, so I shower her with love in every way I know how.
I want to go back and drop everything when my daughters beckon me to play. Let the dishes soak while I engage in their world. But I can’t, so I make a conscious effort to play with them when they ask now. I want to remind myself that I did my best the first time around. I did what I could, even if hindsight offers a different perspective. But I can’t, so I give myself credit for all the things I’ve done well.
To all the mothers out there: you are appreciated. Those whom you love are fully aware of the care and effort you put into your family. Take a moment to admire the unique world you’ve created within your home.
I can’t rewind time and savor every hug, smile, or milestone, but the beauty of love is that there’s always more to look forward to and enjoy today. Watching my 6-year-old start kindergarten fills me with excitement, and seeing my toddler blossom into a little girl is a joy. We have so much to cherish here and now.
Sure, my coffee often goes lukewarm while I chase after a diaper or catch a school bus, and my house is a never-ending mess. But the joys of motherhood are abundant. It’s tough, and I’m grateful I didn’t know just how tough it would be. I wouldn’t want to relive it differently because everything has led us to this moment.
This moment—messy house, half-drunk coffee, and my little girls’ playful bickering—is as sacred as cradling a newborn. One day, I’ll look back on these ordinary moments with the same warmth I feel for the past.
Motherhood is undeniably hard, yet this chapter of my life has shaped me like no other. I’ve learned the depths of love and sacrifice, and I’ve received more love than I could have ever anticipated. I can’t go back, nor do I want to, because I see it in the eyes of my 6-year-old who calls me “Mom” and knows she’s loved. I embrace her and her little sister with all my heart, feeling gratitude fill my being.
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this article. And for those seeking authoritative information, this resource offers excellent insights into pregnancy and home insemination. Plus, Make a Mom provides invaluable advice on at-home insemination kits.
In summary, motherhood is a wild ride full of challenges, love, and growth. While we can’t go back and relive those moments, we can cherish the present and look forward to the future.