“Enjoy every moment,” said a woman in front of me at the grocery store, “time flies by so fast.” I’ve heard variations of this sentiment countless times. Phrases like, “Before you know it, they’re all grown up,” and “In no time, she’ll be a teenager,” have become part of the soundtrack of my parenting journey. If I had a burrito for every time someone felt the need to remind me to cherish each moment, I’d be uncomfortably full—and maybe even a bit stinky from all that burrito goodness!
Initially, I found these comments frustrating, especially during those chaotic moments—like when my little one, now an energetic 19-month-old, was finally settled in the cart, snacking on a cracker I had hastily grabbed to distract her from the tempting owl mugs on display. Often, these remarks came when I was frazzled, hair a mess, mismatched socks adorning my feet, with my toddler precariously balanced under my arm as I rushed to leave the store. At those times, I felt like snapping back, “Are you suggesting I’m not fully appreciating my time with her?” Instead, I would offer a polite, albeit insincere, acknowledgment to escape before the inevitable meltdown.
But I’ve come to realize that those comments aren’t really about me—they’re reflections of the speakers’ experiences. Just this evening, as I cuddled my daughter, who has recently exploded with new words and emotional expressions, I was struck by how quickly she’s growing. She enthusiastically asks us to recite the alphabet and has developed a treasure trove of multi-word phrases. It’s astonishing to witness, yet it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There have been challenges: the initial struggles with breastfeeding, the endless “witching hours,” postpartum anxiety, and the all-too-frequent tantrums.
It’s hard to believe how swiftly these moments have passed. It feels like just yesterday that I was in labor, overwhelmed with joy when my daughter, once blue and limp, was finally placed on my chest, pink and perfect. I can still vividly recall the tears I shed at the hospital when the cute outfits I’d packed were too large for her tiny frame. Those memories seem like they happened merely moments ago.
The lady in line at the grocery store recognizes this fleeting phase of life as she watches my little one, wide-eyed and attempting to stand in a moving cart, captivated by the wonder of bubbles. She’s reminiscing about her own journey, recalling the early days, the challenges, and the joys that have shaped her motherhood experience. She understands the bittersweet nature of raising children—how quickly they grow out of their clothes and how they evolve from infants to individuals with their own personalities.
Next time someone offers their well-meaning advice, reminding me that “before I know it, she’ll be driving,” I’ll smile genuinely and respond, “Thank you. I truly will.” If you’re looking for more insights on this topic, check out this blog post about the journey of artificial insemination at Intracervical Insemination. For those considering home insemination, Make A Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, for a comprehensive understanding of the process, visit this excellent resource on Artificial Insemination.
In summary, the journey of motherhood is a rollercoaster ride filled with both exhilarating highs and challenging lows, and it truly does pass in the blink of an eye.