It Used to Be So Exciting, Then We Became Parents

home insemination Kit

When Alex and I first tied the knot, our nights were filled with passion and excitement. I often reminisce about those blissful moments, where we would take our time, enjoying each other’s company without interruptions. If one round wasn’t enough, we’d dive back in, savoring the experience over and over again. We explored different spots around the house — the kitchen island, the couch, the bedroom, and occasionally even the patio.

But once we welcomed our little ones, family mealtime took a drastic turn.

Before stepping into the world of parenting, people are quick to warn you about sleepless nights and endless diaper changes. But no one prepares you for the reality that you might not enjoy a hot meal for nearly a decade. (Maybe six years if you have just one child, but that’s wishful thinking.)

You could spend hours crafting a gourmet dinner or just throw together some frozen nuggets and mac and cheese, but either way, you’ll find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of serving before you can even take a bite, and by then, everything will be cold and unappetizing.

First, you have to serve everyone else. If you have more than a couple of kids, this can take what feels like an eternity. Toddlers, in particular, come with their own set of demands — “No, I want the pink plate!” or “Juice, no milk! In the dinosaur cup!”

If your kids are picky eaters, you’ll also need to spend extra time picking out any bits of onion, carrot, or any other “yucky” items. As a responsible parent, you’ll want to ensure that everything is cut into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking hazards. Add a few more minutes if you’re a stickler for uniformity.

Then comes the fun part — blowing on the food until you’re almost breathless because everything is “too hot.” Just as you finally sit down and lift your fork, a drink gets spilled. What started as four ounces of juice transforms into a mini lake, requiring an entire roll of paper towels to clean up. You’ll realize you forgot napkins, which are now a necessity.

Someone will inevitably drop their spoon and request a new one because the dog decided to give it a thorough lick. Of course, none of the clean spoons will be left, so you’ll have to wash one or at least rinse off the slobber. Alternatively, you could just wipe it on your shirt — no judgment here.

Then the requests start: “Can I have salt?” or “There’s too much pepper!” And let’s not forget the urgent reminder about the gummy vitamins that somehow slipped your mind. Amidst all this chaos, one child will finish their meal and ask for seconds, sending you back to square one with the cutting, serving, and blowing.

Dining out might improve your chances of enjoying a warm meal slightly, but you still face the challenges of cutting and blowing. Plus, you’ll pay a premium for a kid’s meal, only to watch your child eat two French fries and peel the coating off their corn dog.

But, there is hope! One day, your kids will grow up, and you might find yourself enjoying a peaceful dinner once again — that is, until evening sports practices and friends wanting to hang out come calling, and you’re left shoveling food down without a second thought.

In the meantime, my best tip? Invest in a reliable microwave. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver when it comes to reheating your cold meals. It might just make your life a little easier as you navigate the wild world of parenting.

For more insights on family planning and home insemination, check out our other blog posts here, and if you’re interested in learning about artificial insemination, visit a trusted resource like Make A Mom. For a broader understanding of infertility treatments, WebMD offers an excellent overview.

Summary:

Parenting changes everything, especially mealtime! Gone are the days of enjoying a hot meal. Between picky eaters, spills, and endless requests, dinner can feel like a chaotic circus. However, with a good microwave and a sense of humor, you can navigate this journey with a bit more ease.