Updated: Dec. 18, 2015
Originally Published: Aug. 7, 2015
It feels like just yesterday I was 10 months pregnant, feeling like a beached whale. The heat was unbearable, and it felt like you were playing soccer inside me, with the other team winning. Heartburn plagued me, sleep evaded me, and I was frantically trying to get your nursery ready—little did I know, I’d be waiting an extra 10 days for your arrival.
After an exhausting 24 hours of labor, I finally reached 10 centimeters dilated, only to be met by a new doctor who said you were in distress and required a C-section. I chuckled, thinking he must have mixed me up with another patient. You had your own plans, arriving into the world wrinkled, purple, and quite upset. We introduced you to your family and brought you home.
You crawled, then walked, and soon it was all about eating, talking, and even singing the ABCs. You counted to 10 for the first time, but there were also times of illness. We navigated ear tubes and asthma medications, and thankfully, your health improved.
When your sister was born, I suspected you might have wanted her returned to sender initially. Some days, I still think you do! Yet, you became her role model, teaching her to run, jump, and play—all in an effort to keep up with you. You share an unbreakable bond, often acting as the best of friends and at times the fiercest rivals. I can’t help but worry about the boys who will one day come into her life because they’ll have to meet your standards.
We filled our days with toddler gymnastics, soccer, swimming lessons, and pee-wee T-ball. You were active, always running, jumping, kicking, and playing. Then came your first day of school. You told me how much you liked your new teacher and how happy you were with your friends. You even lost your two front teeth, but your smile remained infectious.
However, school wasn’t without its challenges. Though you had friends and joy, you struggled with reading. I felt lost on how to assist you. After finding a supportive doctor, we learned about dysgraphia, which is more common in left-handed children. Armed with a plan, we secured a tutor, occupational therapist, and physiotherapist, ensuring the school provided the necessary support.
One night, I discovered you reading a novel under your pillow with a flashlight after bedtime. Instead of being upset, I celebrated your love for reading in my heart. School may not be your favorite, but you now tackle extra work without complaint. You’ve realized that your progress lies in your hands, and I’m proud to see the Cs and Ds turn into Bs. You are blossoming, and I couldn’t be prouder.
And today, you turn 10. How did we get here so fast? It seems like I just blinked, and you were born!
If you’re interested in other parenting topics, be sure to check out this post on Cervical Insemination for further insights. For couples embarking on the journey of parenthood, Make a Mom offers reliable at-home insemination syringe kits, ensuring you have the tools you need. For comprehensive information on pregnancy and donor insemination, American Pregnancy is an excellent resource.
In summary, as I reflect on the whirlwind of these past ten years, I can only marvel at how quickly time has flown by. From those early days of anticipation to your triumphant growth, every moment has been a treasure.
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