I spotted you at the playground today. The sun was shining so brightly, it seemed to invite you and your little one to come out and play. You were both perched on the merry-go-round—not spinning, just enjoying the stillness. I noticed you glance at your other child, who was joyfully swinging from the monkey bars, while you sat with what appeared to be a 2½-year-old. Your quiet demeanor was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts: grocery lists, to-do lists, and plans for the rest of the day, week, and even months ahead. You wiped your toddler’s nose, handed her some snacks and a drink, then stared off into the distance for a few moments.
I observed this simple yet profound moment of motherhood on an ordinary afternoon, and I wished I could share a single piece of advice with you—if only I could approach without being perceived as an odd stranger. Here it is:
Freeze this moment.
Push aside the lists, the future, and all the obligations weighing on your mind. Like dust bunnies hiding in the corners, clear away those distracting thoughts and bring this moment into focus. Store away memories like this one in a special nook of your mind. Take a mental snapshot right now.
Look closely at that little one’s face. Take a moment to really see her—the soft curve of her pink lips and the delightful giggles that escape her. Remember the fine strands of baby hair you just tucked behind her ears, and the sweet feeling of her letting you do that. Notice the tiny teeth peeking out as she demolishes a Cheerio and the pudgy fingers wrapped around her sippy cup. Commit to memory those long eyelashes, chubby cheeks, and the way she gazes at you as if you are her entire universe—and you are.
This moment of tranquility may seem insignificant, but it deserves your full attention.
Because one day, that adorable toddler will be discussing things like college choices, job prospects, and the latest trends in politics. In those years to come, while she engages you in conversation, you might find yourself yearning for the memory of that day at the park, sharing snacks and laughter on the merry-go-round.
Lately, I find myself digging through my memories, trying to recapture the simplicity of those toddler years with my son—his cherubic cheeks and baby teeth. I long to remember the way his fine blond hair framed his face and the sweetness of his tiny voice making one-word demands. Though I often catch fleeting glimpses of him as a spirited 2-year-old, those moments slip away before I can hold onto them.
I wonder what I was preoccupied with during those early days of motherhood, sitting on the merry-go-round, sharing Goldfish crackers and juice. While I don’t wish to go back to that phase—having moved beyond the longing for another child—I do wish I had taken more time to freeze those ordinary moments. If only I had known then how precious they were.
As I watch you enjoy your simple moment, I hope you understand it’s not ordinary at all. It’s extraordinary. Capture it. Memorize it. Safeguard it in your mind, because I know you’ll want to revisit it one day, and I want you to be able to find it.
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on Genetics and IVF Institute. If you’re interested in enhancing your journey, you can find valuable tips on fertility at this site. Also, don’t forget to read about our experiences with home insemination in our other blog post here.
Summary:
In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the beauty of ordinary moments in motherhood. This article encourages parents to pause and truly appreciate the fleeting, joyful instances with their children, reminding them that these seemingly mundane times are actually extraordinary. Capturing these memories can serve as sweet reminders of a time that passes all too quickly.