I believed I understood love. I adore my partner. We’ve been together for nearly 11 years, witnessing each other in various states—sick, hungover, grumpy, exhausted, and yes, even messy. We’ve tolerated each other’s oddities and bad habits, yet we choose each other daily, even through disagreements. We hold similar core values, and while we may not see eye to eye on every minor detail, we make each other laugh until we’re in tears. We support one another’s aspirations, doing everything we can to make those dreams a reality. This love we built is not perfect, but it’s genuine and continues to evolve every day. I know love; I feel it deep within my soul.
But I was mistaken. That love? It’s wonderful, yet it failed to prepare me for the overwhelming love I would feel for my child. It’s not that my love for my child is greater; rather, it’s far more intense. Perhaps it stems from a primal instinct to protect him—safeguarding his innocence and shielding him from the harsh realities of the world. As he grows, he remains so vulnerable and relies on me for his growth and learning.
Yes, my love for my partner runs deep, but my love for my child? It’s as if I feel it a thousand times more intensely. Maybe it’s because I carried him within me and was present for his first breath. This connection feels so profound, as if he’s a part of my heart now roaming around outside. It’s a love so fierce it feels like my heart might explode from the sheer depth of it.
As he develops, I find myself seeing the world through his innocent eyes, filled with wonder and curiosity. I’m reminded of the simple joys we often overlook. I’m learning to smile at strangers rather than frown, and he’s unveiling a softer, more vulnerable side of me, making me love him even more.
He looks at me as if I’m the most amazing person in the world. Even on my worst days—pajamas on, hair a mess, morning breath—he cares more about the fun we share, whether it’s playing peek-a-boo or snuggling until he drifts off to sleep. Those moments reassure me that despite all else, I’m doing something right. I’m pouring all my love into this child.
As adulthood creeps in, love can become intricate. We worry about mortgages, careers, nutrition, and sleep, which often leads to stress and irritability. These external pressures can sometimes bring out the worst in us, making us snap at our partners for trivial things. While romantic love is exhilarating, it can get burdened by life’s demands.
But the love I have for my child? It remains uncomplicated for now. I know that as he grows and engages more with the world, challenges will arise—he’ll argue, be stubborn, and misbehave. Yet, for today, our bond is straightforward (most of the time). He showers me with hugs and laughter, crawling to me the moment he sees me, regardless of how brief our separation. In those moments, I feel that heart-bursting love, that fierce protective instinct, which will never fade. I believe he’s a beautiful blend of me and my partner, making him an extraordinary being.
Sure, there will come a time when he drives me as nuts as my partner does, but perhaps that’s a good thing. It means love prevails despite the imperfections. The moment I first laid eyes on him, my world flipped upside down in the most beautiful way. I knew, without a doubt, that I was destined to love this child. Even when he tests my patience or frustrates me, my love will remain unwavering.
I’ll cherish this child with every fiber of my being for as long as I can. He’s teaching me, day by day, that the best kind of love is unconditional and expands long after life’s conditions try to change it. For more on this topic, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
In conclusion, the journey of parenthood reveals layers of love that I never knew existed, reminding me that love is ever-evolving and profoundly fulfilling.