Parenting
Updated: Feb. 6, 2021
Originally Published: Feb. 28, 2012
I have a little secret to share: I hurried through the first two years of my son’s life, and now I find myself filled with a twinge of regret.
When I first brought my boys home, I soaked up every moment—those sweet cuddle sessions, the late-night feedings, the diaper changes, and all the adorable cooing and kissing. But then, reality hit me like a sledgehammer. Suddenly, I was bone-tired and wishing the days away.
When will this baby finally sleep? When will my belly go back to normal? When will my body look and feel like it did pre-baby? (Spoiler alert: it won’t!) When will I feel even remotely human again? (That’s for another day!) I found myself eagerly anticipating the next phase, rather than cherishing the one I was in. “It’ll be so much easier when he sleeps for three hours straight,” I thought. Then that moment arrived, and I was excited for just two nighttime feedings. The cycle continued.
The milestones were no different. “It’ll be fantastic when he can crawl, walk, and keep up with his older brother.” I couldn’t wait for teething to end because he was so miserable (and, of course, not sleeping). I didn’t realize that in wishing for these things, I was inadvertently wishing away precious time.
Days dragged on and nights filled with hourly feedings felt even longer, but somehow, the years zipped by. Now, I find myself longing for the feeling of my baby kicking inside me at night. I wish I could hear that wonderful heartbeat on the Doppler again or marvel at the ultrasound images of my little one swimming around. I wish I had savored the moment the doctor said, “It’s a boy,” as he placed him on my chest for the first time. I wish I had truly enjoyed those late-night feedings instead of half-asleep, dreaming of being back in bed. I want to relive every first: the first crawl, the first steps, and the first time he called me “Mama.” I want to do it all over again.
This realization of how swiftly time passes has taught me to appreciate the present. I’ve shifted my gaze from the future to savor the journey we’re on, one delightful day at a time. If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this blog post on intracervicalinsemination.com. For expert guidance on getting started, American Pregnancy is an excellent resource, and if you’re thinking about DIY options, Make a Mom has all the information you need.
In summary, parenting can sometimes feel like a race, but it’s essential to slow down and truly embrace the moments—no matter how challenging they may seem.