When First-Time Mom Lily Met Present-Day Clara

home insemination Kit

Being a parent for nearly nine years has transformed me in ways I never imagined. If First-Time Mom Lily and Present-Day Clara were to meet, here’s how it might go:

(knock on the door)

First-Time Mom Lily:

Uh, hi there! Sorry to interrupt, but did you know your little one is out playing by himself in the front yard?

Present-Day Clara: Oh, is he? No worries at all. That’s pretty much our daily routine!

First-Time Mom Lily: Really? Aren’t you concerned he might run into the street or, I don’t know, get kidnapped?

Present-Day Clara: Nah, he’s out there quite often. Honestly, I’m more worried about the neighbors calling the cops on me! Wait, are you new around here?

First-Time Mom Lily: Nope! I just happened to drive by and thought I’d check in. What if a huge branch falls and hits him? Or what if he gets stung by a bee? He’s not even wearing shoes!

Present-Day Clara: Yeah, I remind him constantly to wear them, but you know how it is with toddlers…

First-Time Mom Lily: (at a loss for words)

Present-Day Clara: Don’t sweat it! He’s totally fine out there.

First-Time Mom Lily: I could sit with him for a bit if you’re busy with something important.

Present-Day Clara: Oh, that’s sweet, but I’m always busy! Unless you want to move in… just kidding!

First-Time Mom Lily: (still speechless)

Present-Day Clara: Want to come in and take a nap on the couch? You look a bit worn out.

First-Time Mom Lily: Yeah, sleep isn’t happening much these days. My baby is teething, so I’m up every couple of hours.

Present-Day Clara: Come on in! I was about to let my 3-year-old watch some TV while I worked. Your little one can join him.

First-Time Mom Lily: That’s nice, but she’s already had her 30 minutes of cartoons today. I have to limit it.

Present-Day Clara: (laughs) That’s hilarious! You’re joking, right?

First-Time Mom Lily: Nope! Don’t want her to be one of those kids glued to the screen.

Present-Day Clara: (slyly turns off the TV) Speaking of food, I’m reheating some nuggets, but let’s be honest, my 3-year-old will probably just eat chocolate cake for dinner instead. At least it’s something, right?

First-Time Mom Lily: (dumbfounded)

Present-Day Clara: (yelling) Get off the roof of the car!

First-Time Mom Lily: How many kids do you have?

Present-Day Clara: Three! But some days it feels like I’m wrangling 30, honestly, it’s a total circus.

First-Time Mom Lily: Where’s the other one?

Present-Day Clara: Hmm, not sure! I think she’s at a neighbor’s house.

First-Time Mom Lily: (speechless again)

Present-Day Clara: Well, I’ve got about five million things to juggle—making calls, folding laundry, changing diapers, figuring out meals, and blogging. So, are we done here?

First-Time Mom Lily: (momentarily stunned) Uh, yeah. Are you sure he’s okay out there on his own?

Present-Day Clara: I’ll bring him inside if it eases your mind. His brother is out there too, so how bad can it get? (crying starts)

First-Time Mom Lily: Shouldn’t you check on that?

Present-Day Clara: (listening) That’s not his hurt cry! He’s just faking it, can’t you tell?

First-Time Mom Lily: Aren’t you at all worried? I don’t want to seem paranoid, but I totally am. You know, first-time mom here. (nervous laugh)

Present-Day Clara: I get it, sweetie. (gives First-Time Mom Lily a reassuring hug) It does get better, I promise. (whispers) Go home and catch some z’s while you can, okay?