Parenting
By Emma Lane
Updated: Oct. 12, 2023
Originally Published: Feb. 26, 2015
Every few months, I go on a cleaning spree, and almost every time, I stumble upon my first baby’s poop log. From December 12, 2006, to April 3, 2007, I meticulously recorded my newborn son’s feeding times, the order in which I breastfed him (right/left or left/right), and whether his diaper was wet, soiled, or both. I even noted the activities we did together (like tummy time) and how long he slept. Talk about an abundance of detailed, intimate, and somewhat absurd information.
While I may never finish (or start) my kids’ baby books, I can’t wait for the day I show my oldest his “doodie diary.” He’ll either beam with pride or sprint away in horror!
Eight years into this chaotic adventure of motherhood, where each day is a whirlwind of messes and exhaustion, I genuinely can’t believe I ever had the time or energy to keep track of every little detail about my baby’s bodily functions. This got me reflecting on a few other things that leave me astounded about my new mom days.
Maintaining a Poop Log
First off, I can’t believe I maintained a poop log. Seriously, I can hardly recall what I had for breakfast, yet I was once so anxious that I documented every diaper change. Now, I can’t even remember to jot down a grocery list!
Night Feedings
And night feedings? By the time my second son arrived, I had all but given up on those. My husband would find me dozing off with a baby attached to me, sprawled across the couch. Nowadays, a good night of sleep means I’m out cold from about 10 PM to 6 AM—if only I could sleep through the night without a 2 AM wake-up call! The thought of getting up to care for another human seems utterly ridiculous.
Waking Up Before Dawn
Oh, and let’s talk about waking up before dawn. Those days of rising at the crack of dawn every.single.day are long gone. Sleep is now a rare treat in our house. My kids actually look forward to weekends when they don’t have to rise at 6:30 AM for school. It’s hard to believe there was once a time when I thought finger painting at 4:30 AM was a normal occurrence!
Making Baby Food
Making baby food? I actually used to do that! And while I think it’s fantastic, I don’t remember how I managed it. Now, a quick stop for soft pretzels at the ice rink counts as dinner. Sometimes, the only way to coax my Kindergartner out of the car at morning drop-off is by promising him an “all snack” dinner that, of course, must include a cupcake. Just last night, I’m pretty sure neither of my kids had a proper dinner. It’s hard to imagine that I once peeled, steamed, pureed, and froze organic apples and squash in adorable little containers.
Potty Training
Lastly, I can’t believe I kept a portable toilet in my car. Nobody warns you that potty training can feel like an eternal struggle, spanning anywhere from five days to five years. Your child will likely refuse to poop anywhere except at home or in the foldable potty stashed in the back of your minivan parked at preschool.
If you’re looking for more insights into the journey of parenthood, you can check out this post on home insemination. It’s amazing how preparation can enhance your parenting experience! And if you’re considering options for getting started, Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit is a fantastic resource. For even more information on treatments, WebMD offers excellent guidance.
In summary, motherhood is full of surprises, many of which I never thought I’d embrace. From logging every detail of my baby’s life to the chaos of daily routines, it’s been a wild ride, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.