I thought I had a grasp on love. I adore my partner, Jake. We’ve been a duo for nearly 11 years, sharing everything from colds and hangovers to grumpy mornings and those oh-so-charming moments when we forget to shower. We’ve seen each other at our best and worst, enduring each other’s quirks and habits, all while choosing to love each other every single day. Sure, we can argue and drive one another up the wall, but we also share those essential values that keep us connected. We can make each other laugh until our sides hurt, and we support each other’s dreams, doing everything we can to chase them down. This is love. It’s not flawless, but it’s genuine and grows deeper with each passing day. I know love. I recognize its essence within me.
But I was mistaken. That love? It’s beautiful, but it didn’t prepare me for the overwhelming, soul-expanding love I felt for my child. It’s not that my love for my little one surpasses my love for Jake; it’s just on a whole different level of intensity. Maybe it stems from the instinctual urge to protect him from life’s harsh realities, to safeguard his innocence for as long as I can. He’s so small and vulnerable, and my heart aches to ensure he feels safe and supported as he grows.
Yes, my love for Jake runs deep, but my affection for my child? That’s a love that feels like it’s multiplied a million times over. I grew him inside my body and witnessed his first breath — it’s as if he’s a piece of my heart wandering the world (or rather, crawling around). It’s a love so profound it feels like my heart might burst from the sheer magnitude of it.
Perhaps it’s because, through his eyes, I’m rediscovering a world filled with wonder and curiosity. I’m reminded of the beauty we often take for granted. He’s teaching me to smile at strangers rather than frown, and he brings out a more loving and vulnerable side in me, which in turn deepens my love for him.
Maybe it’s the way he looks at me, as if I’m the most incredible person on the planet. Even when I’m in my pajamas with wild hair and questionable morning breath, he’s just thrilled to play peek-a-boo, to be tickled, or to be held close as he drifts off to sleep. Those moments affirm that no matter what else happens in life, I’m getting this parenting thing right. I’m showering him with all the love I can muster.
As adults, love can grow complicated with mortgages, jobs, and the constant pressure to eat well and exercise. All those external stresses can chip away at our happiness and make us irritable, sometimes even directing that frustration towards our loved ones. Romantic love, while exhilarating, can get bogged down by life’s demands.
But the love for my child? Right now, that’s easy. I know it will become complicated as he grows up, with arguments and stubbornness on the horizon. But for now, it’s uncomplicated. He fills my days with hugs, laughter, and snuggles. He crawls to me the moment he sees me, and each time, I’m reminded of that heart-bursting love — that fierce desire to protect him. He embodies a perfect mix of me and Jake, and that makes him incredibly special.
Sure, one day he might drive me as crazy as Jake does, and honestly, I think that’s a good sign. It means that even through the chaos, love remains the priority. You love them, flaws and all. The moment I first laid eyes on him, my world shifted in the most beautiful way possible. I knew without a doubt that I was meant to love this child. No matter how he may frustrate or annoy me, my love will remain unwavering.
I will love this kid with everything I have for as long as I’m able. Each day, he teaches me that the greatest love is the kind that’s unconditional and continues to flourish even when life tries to complicate matters. For those curious about home insemination, you can check out this insightful post on intracervical insemination, and if you want to learn more about artificial insemination, CryoBaby is a fantastic resource. For detailed statistics on infertility, the CDC provides excellent information.
In summary, love evolves and deepens in ways we can’t always anticipate, especially when children enter the picture. While romantic love is profound, the love for a child is an unparalleled experience, filled with joy, simplicity, and a fierce desire to protect and nurture.