Updated: Feb. 25, 2016
Originally Published: Jan. 25, 2010
It’s a universal truth that babies don’t arrive equipped with an instruction manual. There’s no course to take or test to pass before stepping into the world of parenting. With a sense of pride and a bundle of joy in your arms, you leave the hospital with little understanding of what lies ahead. Raise your hand if you were one of those parents who pulled over on the way home just to check if the baby was still breathing. Yep, me too—twice!
Once you settle in at home, the reality of constant diaper changes and feeding routines sinks in. Your life is fundamentally altered; from now on, a tiny human’s needs will take precedence over your own. This feeling is as exhilarating as it is daunting. It’s both scary and empowering, fulfilling yet completely unpredictable—it’s the wild ride of parenthood.
Soon enough, the outside world starts to invade your blissful newborn bubble, bringing a flood of advice, warnings, and critiques. There are countless parenting styles, and someone will always have an opinion on yours. Suddenly, your adorable little one is expected to hit a series of milestones—first smile, first tooth, the elusive full night’s sleep, crawling, walking, talking, potty training, and maybe even the ability to recite Shakespeare while standing on their head.
Heads up, new parents: All of these milestones will come to pass.
Okay, maybe not the Shakespeare part, but it’s not exactly a life requirement. You won’t see many adults walking around with pacifiers in their mouths (though I might have some stories about my friend Charlie’s bachelor party that could challenge that notion). Those 5 a.m. wake-up calls and 2 a.m. crib parties may feel eternal, but remember: this phase, too, will come to an end. Just ask parents of teenagers, who often find themselves shouting at their kids to rise and shine in the mornings. And let’s be honest, no one wants a partner who still needs their mom to tuck them in at night—that’s a real deal breaker.
Another thing to consider: you might lose sleep worrying that all the other babies are already walking while yours seems perfectly happy scooting along on her bottom and being carried everywhere. But when your little one finally takes those first steps, your heart will swell with pride, and you’ll want the world to know. Yet, as they accomplish each milestone, you may find yourself reminiscing about the days when you could leave them safely in one spot, the gummy smile that didn’t involve a surprise bite, and yes, even those 1 a.m. snuggles. You may not miss them immediately, but eventually, they’ll tug at your heartstrings. Each milestone reached is a step further away from the helpless bundle you once held in the hospital.
During those sleepless nights, when feeding feels non-stop and you wonder if this phase will ever end, know that it will. In what seems like a blink, you’ll find yourself buying school uniforms and marveling at how big they’ve gotten. You’ll be amazed by this little person you created, who now has their own ideas and isn’t shy about expressing them.
Some milestones will come easily and swiftly, while others may take time and effort. At times, you might think you have a child prodigy on your hands; at other moments, you might worry they’re lagging behind. But no matter the successes or struggles, that little person you brought into the world will always be perfect in your eyes.
So, here’s to the little one who may not be reciting Shakespeare just yet but could certainly give Usain Bolt a run for his money—and who rocks a hat like nobody else.
For more insights into the journey of parenting, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination: Treating Infertility. And if you’re curious about fertility, this guide on fertility boosters might be a great read.
To further explore the fascinating world of home insemination, don’t miss our post here.