Parenting
By Liv By Surprise
Updated: Dec. 18, 2015
Originally Published: Aug. 7, 2015
I was ten months pregnant, feeling enormous—like a whale, really. The heat was unbearable, and it felt like you were hosting a soccer game inside my belly. I’m pretty sure the other team was winning. Heartburn plagued me, sleep was elusive, and I was frantically trying to prepare your room “on time.” Little did I know, I’d be waiting an extra 10 days for your grand entrance.
After a grueling 24 hours of labor, you finally made your debut. Just when I thought I was ready to push, a new doctor swooped in, telling me you were in distress and I’d need a C-section. I chuckled, convinced he had the wrong room. I was fully dilated, thank you very much, and you were coming out the “natural” way. Spoiler alert: you had other plans—arriving wrinkled, purple, and a bit feisty. We introduced you to family and brought you home.
You crawled, then walked, and boy, could you eat! You talked, belted out the ABCs, and counted to ten for the first time. But then you got sick, and sick again, leading to ear tubes and asthma medication. Thankfully, that helped, and fewer doctor visits followed.
Then your sister arrived. At first, I think you wished I could send her back. Some days, I think you still do! You taught her to run, jump, and play—she eagerly tried to keep up with you. You two are the best of friends and, at times, the worst of enemies. I worry about the boys who will come into her life; they better be good enough for you!
We dabbled in toddler gymnastics, soccer, swimming lessons, and even pee-wee T-ball. You ran, jumped, kicked, and played your little heart out. When it was time for school, you told me about your new teacher and how much fun you were having with friends. You lost your two front teeth but still flashed a dazzling smile.
However, school wasn’t a smooth ride. You had friends and were happy, but reading was a challenge. I felt helpless until we found a wonderful doctor who explained that dysgraphia is more common in left-handed kids. They provided us with a roadmap to support you. We got you a tutor, occupational therapist, and physiotherapist, ensuring the school was on board too.
One night, I caught you reading a novel under your pillow with a flashlight. I couldn’t even be mad—I did a little happy dance in your room! School may not be your favorite thing, but you’ve learned that hard work pays off. Those Cs and Ds have turned into Bs, and I couldn’t be prouder.
Today, you turn 10. How did we get here so fast? It feels like just yesterday I was in labor. I must have blinked!
If you’re looking for more parenting adventures or support, check out this great resource on pregnancy and home insemination. For tips on boosting fertility, this site is a must-visit, and if you want to learn more about home insemination techniques, here’s another blog post to keep you engaged!
Summary:
This nostalgic piece reflects on the journey of parenting over the past decade as a mother recalls the challenging yet joyful moments from pregnancy to her child’s milestone of turning 10. It highlights the ups and downs of early childhood, the struggles with learning, and the importance of support and resilience in a child’s development.