It’s a universally acknowledged truth that infants do not come equipped with a manual upon their arrival. Becoming a parent requires no formal training or certification; you simply leave the hospital with your newborn, filled with pride yet completely unaware of what lies ahead. Raise your hand if you’ve ever pulled over on the way home to ensure your baby was still breathing—I certainly have, more than once.
Upon returning home, the reality of parenthood hits hard. The endless cycle of diaper changes and feedings reveals that your life will never be the same. From this moment on, your priorities shift, and someone else’s needs will take precedence over your own. This overwhelming reality is as awe-inspiring as it is daunting. It’s the essence of what you imagined parenthood would be, yet it can feel utterly different—this is the journey of being a parent.
As you settle into your new routine, the outside world will inevitably start to intrude on your newborn haven, bringing with it a plethora of advice, warnings, and unsolicited judgments. With countless methods available for child-rearing, rest assured someone will always believe your approach is flawed. Your precious child is now on a timeline for achieving specific milestones: first smile, first tooth, the elusive ability to sleep through the night, crawling, walking, talking, and even mastering toilet training.
A note to new parents: All these milestones will occur.
Well, perhaps not the last one in quite the same manner as Shakespeare, but you get the idea. While you may not see adults wandering around with pacifiers (though I do have certain, let’s say interesting, anecdotes from my husband’s bachelor party), the current struggles of early morning wake-ups and late-night feedings won’t last forever. Veteran parents will attest that mornings eventually shift to urging teenagers to rise and shine—quite a change from the baby stage.
You may find yourself concerned when it appears that other babies are reaching developmental milestones faster than yours, who may prefer to scoot across the floor rather than walk. When your little one finally takes those first steps, you’ll feel an immense surge of pride and want to share the moment with everyone you know. Yet, you’ll also likely feel a twinge of nostalgia for the days when they would stay put in one spot, or when their gummy smiles didn’t involve biting your finger unexpectedly. And those late-night cuddles? Believe it or not, you will eventually miss them, even if it isn’t immediate. Each milestone celebrated is a step further away from that helpless bundle you cradled upon leaving the hospital.
In the midst of sleepless nights and constant feedings, remind yourself that this phase will pass. In what feels like the blink of an eye, you’ll find yourself purchasing school uniforms and marveling at how quickly your child has grown. You will be in awe of this little person you created, who has developed their own unique opinions and isn’t shy about expressing them.
Some milestones will come swiftly and effortlessly, while others may require more time and effort. At certain moments, you might question if your child is a prodigy; during others, you may worry about them lagging behind their peers. Regardless of these ups and downs, remember that the child you brought into this world is perfect in your eyes.
For your little one, who may not yet be reciting Shakespeare but could give Usain Bolt a run for his money—especially when wearing a stylish hat.
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Summary:
Parenthood is an exhilarating yet overwhelming journey filled with countless milestones. From the first smile to taking those first steps, each moment is precious and fleeting. While challenges and comparisons to other children may arise, every child is unique and perfect in their own way. Embrace the sleepless nights and cherish each milestone, for they signify growth and change.
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