I Had No Clue About Marriage and Parenting

self insemination kit

Do you remember those early days when we decided it was a great idea to tie the knot and start a family? Back when we were youthful and well-rested, our biggest dilemma was what movie to catch on a Saturday night? Do you recall how we gazed into each other’s eyes, daydreaming about our future, envisioning what marriage and parenting would entail? We believed we had it all figured out, convinced we were experts on parenting and adulthood, even though we had barely stepped into those roles.

Looking back, we were adorable, young, and hopelessly in love, brimming with confidence about our ability to succeed in marriage and parenting. Yet, we were utterly naive. The truth is, I had no inkling just how challenging, terrifying, exhilarating, and meaningful parenting would be. I had no clue what marriage truly involved either.

I didn’t realize that marriage would sometimes mean holding back my tongue and resisting the urge to say “I told you so.” I didn’t know that love could manifest in picking up socks from the floor or making last-minute grocery runs for cookies, or that teamwork often meant telling our kids little white lies about Chuck E. Cheese being closed for the summer.

I had no idea that date nights would often consist of dozing off on the couch while watching reruns of our favorite shows. I never anticipated that I could find someone attractive even in the most unglamorous situations, like holding a toddler who has just thrown up. I never imagined that the sound of our kids laughing while we dance and kiss in the kitchen could feel so romantic.

I didn’t realize marriage would involve waiting up late for you to come home, fueled by endless cups of coffee, only to fall asleep just moments before you arrive, or that love looks like covering someone with a blanket when they fall asleep in the middle of waiting up.

I had no idea that marriage would include debates over socks and toilet seats or that we would argue about television shows for days. I didn’t foresee so many conversations revolving around diaper changes, 529 plans, and that mysterious stain on the carpet. I had no idea that marriage could be so tough at times, but maybe that’s what makes it beautiful—because the most rewarding aspects of life, like marriage, parenting, and friendship, often require hard work.

I didn’t realize that growing together would mean growing old together while still acting like carefree kids, ignoring stretch marks and receding hairlines, and somehow finding each other even more attractive in our 40s than we were in our 20s. I had no idea that a sigh, a groan, or a laugh could convey entire conversations, allowing us to understand each other without uttering a word.

I didn’t know that the best anniversary gift could be the understanding that no gifts were needed at all, and that the sweetest love notes could be simple reminders like, “I took the kids out for breakfast,” or a text saying, “I’ll grab dinner on my way home.” I had no idea that I could be both your biggest fan and your hardest critic, and that combining those roles would help us both become better versions of ourselves.

I had no clue that marriage would bring so much laughter and tears—often at the most inappropriate moments—and that love could look like a stash of candy bars delivered in response to a simple text asking for chocolate. I never thought I could love someone who had a different stance on the real versus artificial Christmas tree debate.

I had no idea that the word “husband” would eventually feel inadequate. You transformed into a husband-father-lover-friend-teammate-cheerleader-advocate-protector-confidante, with a hint of something indescribably magical. I learned that it was perfectly fine to not have all the answers because marriage means navigating this journey together.

For those looking to explore more about family planning, consider checking out this link for further insights. If you’re interested in at-home options, Make A Mom offers excellent resources for insemination kits. Additionally, the Genetics and IVF Institute is a fantastic resource for those embarking on the journey of pregnancy and home insemination.

In summary, marriage and parenting are full of unexpected challenges and rewards, requiring teamwork, understanding, and a good sense of humor. It’s a beautiful journey, albeit one that comes with its fair share of surprises and growth.