Dear Sweet Boy,
You, my adventurous and headstrong little one, have just turned 2. You don’t just break the rules; you bend them and often create your own.
Before you came along, I had a whole list of rules for how I would parent. Spoiler alert: most of those rules have been twisted, turned, or outright discarded.
I will exclusively breastfeed for the first year (Oops, I broke this).
You insisted on nursing every second, and my body just couldn’t keep up. Pumping wasn’t working out, and honestly, I wasn’t a fan of walking around with my nipple exposed. I was utterly exhausted. After two weeks of trying, we switched to formula, and let me tell you, everyone was much happier with your little tummy finally satisfied.
I will nap when the baby naps; everything else can wait (Yeah, I bent this).
Laundry, dirty dishes, meals (if you can call them that), and even a quick bathroom break all seemed more pressing. But every now and then, I’d cradle you on my chest, and our heartbeats would sync. Those moments, with you nestled against me, were irreplaceable, far more valuable than any chore.
I won’t let my child watch TV (Bending this rule was a necessity).
Some days are just like that! When we need a reset, a little couch time with “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” can work wonders. Sometimes we’re stuck at the doctor’s office with only lollipops to keep you entertained, and let’s face it, both of us need a break now and then.
I won’t be that anxious first-time parent with endless questions for the pediatrician (I completely shattered this).
I took you in once because I thought your pinky toe was crooked and worried it might hinder your walking ability.
I won’t let my child’s schedule run my life (Ha, broken!).
Missing a nap? Late bedtime? Oh boy, I learned quickly that these things lead to chaos. I had to surrender to the schedule, fast.
My kids will eat a nutritious diet with vegetables at every meal (I wish I could say I bent this, but nope, it’s broken).
The past few dinners have featured hot dogs, and the only “vegetables” you’ll touch come in pouches with plenty of added sugar. But hey, you licked broccoli last night—progress, right?
I will make time for friends (I bent this, but it’s a struggle).
Becoming a mom changed me in ways I didn’t expect. I now find joy in cozy nights at home watching you laugh with Daddy. Still, after a long week of toddler talk, meeting friends for happy hour is a much-needed escape.
I will reclaim my pre-baby body and hit the gym every day (Oh, that dream is shattered).
My body has transformed in ways I never anticipated, and I can’t even recall my last gym visit. Cookies for breakfast, anyone?
I won’t talk about poop (This rule was gone before you arrived).
Let’s be real; it’s a part of life now.
I won’t be the mom who waits for “wine time” (I break this one daily).
No need for details there!
I won’t fall into the yoga pants stereotype (I’ve bent this rule).
Initially, I resisted the pull of yoga pants, but they are just too comfy! I do make an effort to dress up now and then, especially when I realize your dad hasn’t seen me in anything other than loungewear for a week.
My children will learn to fall asleep on their own (Broken).
Clearly, I underestimated how wonderful it feels to rock you to sleep, with your sweet little head resting against me.
So, my dear boy, I’ve broken and bent many rules along the way. And as you grow, you’ll see that some rules are meant to be flexible. The one rule I’ll never break, however, is this:
I will love my children with every fiber of my being, forever and always.
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this post. And if you’re curious about fertility, Make A Mom has some excellent resources. Additionally, March of Dimes offers fantastic information on pregnancy.
In summary, parenting is full of surprises, and many of my rules have transformed along the way. Love remains the only constant.