Updated: Feb. 25, 2016
Originally Published: Jan. 25, 2010
We all know that babies don’t come equipped with a user manual. There’s no course or exam you need to pass to become a parent. You simply waddle out of the hospital, pride swelling in your chest, while simultaneously feeling utterly clueless. Go ahead, raise your hand if you’ve ever pulled over just to check if your little one was still breathing. I’ll admit it—I did that twice!
Once you settle in at home, the reality of dirty diapers and endless feedings hits you, and you realize your life has completely transformed. From now on, someone else’s needs take precedence over your own, and that little being depends on you for everything. It’s an exhilarating yet daunting experience. Terrifying and empowering all at once! Parenthood is everything you imagined and yet entirely different—it’s a wild ride.
Eventually, the outside world starts to intrude on your cozy newborn bubble, bringing a flood of advice, warnings, and—let’s be honest—criticism. There are countless approaches to raising a child, and someone will always think you’re doing it wrong. Suddenly, your adorable little one is on a track to hit a checklist of milestones—smiling for the first time, sprouting that first tooth, the elusive full night of sleep, crawling, walking, talking, and yes, maybe even reciting Shakespeare while standing on their head (okay, maybe that last one isn’t essential).
Listen up, new parents: All of these moments will indeed happen.
Well, perhaps not the head-standing Shakespeare part, but you get the idea! You won’t see many adults roaming around with pacifiers either (and despite my best efforts, I can’t deny some wild memories from my husband’s bachelor party!). Those 5 a.m. wake-up calls and 2 a.m. crib parties seem endless now, but take heart—it won’t last forever. Teen parents will tell you that they spend mornings just trying to kick their kids out of bed! And trust me, no one wants an adult still needing their mom to tuck them in—talk about a deal-breaker!
You’ll often find yourself worrying that while other babies are off toddling around, yours seems perfectly content just scooting on their bottom. But when those first steps finally happen, you’ll be bursting with pride and wanting to shout it from the rooftops. Yet, you might also find a tear slipping down your cheek for the days gone by—the days when you could leave the room and know they’d stay put, or the gummy smiles that didn’t involve biting your fingers. And yes, even those 1 a.m. cuddle sessions will tug at your heartstrings. You might not miss them right away, but eventually, they’ll hold a special place in your memories. Each milestone you celebrate is a step further away from that tiny, helpless bundle you brought home from the hospital.
So when the sleepless nights and constant feedings make you wonder if it will ever end, know that it will. In what feels like the blink of an eye, you’ll be buying school uniforms and wondering how they got so big. You’ll marvel at this little person you created, who suddenly has their own opinions and is not shy about sharing them!
Some milestones will come quickly and easily; others will take time and effort. There will be days you think you have a child prodigy on your hands, and others when you worry they might be lagging behind their peers. But through every triumph, hurdle, and struggle, that little one will always be perfect in your eyes.
This one’s for the tiny tyke who may not be reciting Shakespeare yet but could definitely keep up with Usain Bolt in a race—and let’s be honest, they rock a hat!
If you’re looking for more information on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on infertility here. And for tips on getting started with your own journey, you can learn more about at-home solutions here. And if you have questions or want to connect with others, feel free to reach out here.
In short, every parent’s journey is unique, filled with challenges and joys. Embrace the ride, because before you know it, you’ll be navigating a whole new set of milestones!