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Motherhood Has Made Me a Sentimental Softie
by Emma Davis
Feb. 16, 2023
I’ve never been one to shed tears over movies or get emotional during those tear-jerking commercials. But ever since I became a mom, I find myself turning into a blubbering, mushy mess at the slightest provocation.
Just today, while jogging, I encountered a construction site. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a gigantic bulldozer, its lights flashing cheerfully. Instinctively, I reached for my phone to snap a picture for my toddler, only to remember that his fascination with cars and trucks fizzled out months ago. Just like that, a wave of nostalgia hit me as I ran past that bright yellow behemoth, and tears prickled my eyes. That delightful phase of his childhood—where every vehicle was a reason to celebrate—is over. Poof! Gone.
When I returned home, I received an email from the education department. I’ve been on their pre-K registration list since my first child started school, and every year around this time, I receive a notification. This year’s email, however, bore the birth year of my youngest: 2012. How is it possible that my baby is about to register for school? Well, you guessed it, the tears started flowing again. Yep, I lost it over an automated email!
The list of things that bring on the waterworks is endless, but here are a few highlights:
- I get a lump in my throat when my kids find little bugs on the sidewalk and ask me to carry them home.
- I feel a twinge of sadness when they stop using their adorable baby words. I mean, how can I not miss the way my youngest said “lemalade” instead of lemonade?
- Birthday parties? Forget it! Whether it’s my kid or someone else’s, when those candles are blown out, I’m a puddle of tears.
- School plays are a rollercoaster of emotions. Watching my child awkwardly prance around dressed as a turkey? I never expected to feel such pride and panic simultaneously!
- Old photos? Sometimes I skip opening the Timehop app because the memories are too much. Just one year can change their faces and bodies so drastically, it’s hard to bear.
- Scents from their babyhood can trigger a tidal wave of emotion. I once caught a whiff of diaper cream in the grocery store, and I was an emotional wreck—seriously, who cries over diaper cream?
- I shed tears at every milestone, even the ones I was eagerly anticipating. Throwing out the last diaper hit me harder than I expected!
- The first snowfall, autumn leaves swirling down—seeing the world through my children’s eyes makes everything feel fresh and magical, often bringing tears of joy.
When I held my newborn for the first time, I had no idea how many seemingly trivial moments would leave me in a puddle of emotions—and that this wouldn’t stop as they grew older. The smallest things can shatter me, and sometimes I wonder if I’m losing it. But then I remind myself that I’m just a mom, and these kiddos mean the world to me.
So, I’m embracing all the feels and allowing myself to cry over the silliest things. As they grow, I’m sure I’ll embarrass them with my sentimental antics, but hey, if they want me to tone it down, they’ll just have to stop growing up. Seriously, kiddos, let’s hit the brakes on that, okay?
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Summary:
Motherhood has transformed me into a sentimental mess, where even the smallest moments can trigger tears of joy and nostalgia. From the end of my children’s childhood obsessions to the bittersweet milestones, I find myself embracing all the emotions that come with parenting. I’m determined to cherish these fleeting moments, even if they occasionally leave me in tears.