This morning, while driving, my three-year-old was throwing a fit, exclaiming, “I JUST WANT WAFFLES AND TACOS ALL THE TIIIIIME!” And in that moment, I realized that my nearly seven months of pregnancy has made me feel more connected to this little one than ever before. Let me explain:
- Food Cravings: Both toddlers and pregnant women share a unique relationship with food. There’s the thrill of sneaking in a pre-dinner ice cream or frantically munching on snacks in secret. A Cheerio might tumble from his pants, while I might find a Frito tucked in my bra. The idea of a banana might turn our stomachs, yet an entire carton of strawberries can suddenly seem irresistible. When we want something, nothing can stand in our way—beware of flying forks if you try to intervene!
- Clothes That Don’t Fit: Our bodies are constantly changing, leading to a wardrobe full of misfits. What do you mean you’ve outgrown those $50 baby shoes already? I just transitioned from my “Could-Be-Bloated” pregnancy pants to the full-blown “I’ve-Been-Eating-Pie-For-6-Months” attire. You might be upset about your favorite Thomas shirt becoming too small, but I’m struggling to hide the skinny jeans that may never fit again after this pregnancy. In this game, the mall is the only clear winner.
- Frequent Bathroom Breaks: Let’s address the unavoidable truth: we both have a challenging time controlling our bladders. Whether it’s a surprise accident or a desperate dash to the bathroom in the middle of the night, toddlers and pregnant women understand that nature calls—often at the worst moments, like during a long church service or a bumpy car ride.
- The Unpleasant Smell: When an unexpected odor wafts through the air, all eyes seem to shift between the toddler and the visibly pregnant woman in the room. We both feel the sting of judgment and would prefer if you didn’t jump to conclusions. Spoiler alert: it was probably the old guy in the corner!
- Memory Lapses: Remembering things can be a struggle for both of us. “Mommy, where’s my firetruck?” “What’s for dinner?” “Where are we going?” Meanwhile, I’m trying to recall my second child’s birthday or the name of our pediatrician amidst a whirlwind of distractions. Give us a moment—or twenty. Juice helps!
- Emotional Rollercoasters: The mood swings can be intense. One minute, it’s all fury and the next, uncontrollable laughter. It’s a whirlwind of emotions that can change in an instant. One moment, I might be fuming about a spilled drink, and the next, we’re both giggling over silly jokes. Our feelings may seem extreme to outsiders, but they are very real and profound. And please, don’t label me hormonal—I know you’re just trying to be funny!
So, the next time my son declares, “I don’t love you or your carrots!” I hope to approach his emotional outbursts with empathy and humor. I’ll cherish the bond we share during this time and enjoy moments over a plate of waffles and tacos while exchanging silly jokes until we both burst into laughter.
For additional insights into the world of pregnancy and home insemination, be sure to check out this post on intracervical insemination. If you’re interested in learning about fertility methods, visit Make a Mom. For more resources on pregnancy, Mount Sinai offers excellent information that can help.
Summary:
In this light-hearted exploration, we discover the amusing parallels between toddlerhood and pregnancy. From food cravings and frequent bathroom trips to emotional swings and wardrobe malfunctions, both experiences share striking similarities. By embracing these connections and the laughter they bring, we can navigate the ups and downs of parenting with a little more grace.