Navigating Affection in the Era of Raising Young Children

self insemination kit

By: Jamie Thompson

Updated: February 24, 2020

Originally Published: February 10, 2018

In nearly a dozen years of marriage, my partner and I have welcomed six children into our lives over the past seven years. Each day resembles a marathon, where the goal is to simply cross the finish line and collapse into bed. At this stage, love isn’t defined by grand romantic gestures; instead, it manifests in small, everyday ways. It’s about lending a hand when I’m feeling overwhelmed. It’s about truly recognizing my efforts in raising compassionate little ones. It’s about being present and committed to the daily grind of parenting. In essence, love during these challenging years of nurturing young children transcends candlelit dinners and extravagant gifts.

Here’s my perspective on what love genuinely signifies in this chaotic, joyful season of parenting:

1. Love is stopping by the café to bring me that perfect cup of coffee, knowing how much I rely on it to fuel my day, despite your distaste for fancy brews.
2. Love is taking on the bedtime routine for all the kids, allowing me to enjoy a much-needed night out with friends, engaging in vital conversations about the latest dramas.
3. Love is grasping that when I text, “How’s it going?” I’m actually wondering when you’ll be home—preferably soon!
4. Love is recognizing that I need to share the daily ups and downs with my closest friends, all 211 of them.
5. Love is confiding in each other about our worries regarding the kids, from their social interactions to developmental milestones, even on the toughest days when parenting feels never-ending.
6. Love involves reassuring me that I’m doing a great job as a mother when I feel overwhelmed.
7. Love is tackling the mess in my snack-filled minivan without needing a reminder.
8. Love is accepting my body as it is, including the extra weight that has come with each child.
9. Love is messaging me from the store asking what we need, and patiently waiting while I compile a lengthy grocery list of essentials, including wine and wipes.
10. Love is knowing that sometimes I just need a break, even if it means escaping to the bathroom for a moment with a glass of wine and a phone chat with a friend.
11. Love is stepping in to clean up spills during dinner, allowing me to enjoy my meal without interruption.
12. Love is making me laugh until tears roll down my face over the simplest, silliest things.
13. Love is willingly taking on more than your fair share of diaper changes and bathroom duties.
14. Love is rummaging through the cupboards at 3 a.m. for ear drops to soothe our daughter’s discomfort.
15. Love is entering the house and heading straight to the dishwasher, knowing I despise washing dishes, and tackling them daily even after a long night.
16. Love is enduring long waits for the balloon artist or amusement rides because you understand how much joy it brings our girls.
17. Love is asking, “What can I do to help?” when you sense I’m overwhelmed with tasks.
18. Love is appreciating our daughters for their individuality and celebrating their unique personalities.
19. Love is lying with the older girls until they drift off to sleep, night after night.
20. Love is frequently saying, “I’m sorry,” to acknowledge misunderstandings.
21. Love is sharing humorous parenting memes that resonate with our chaotic lives.
22. Love is recognizing “The Look” I give that means, “Please jump in and help!”
23. Love is maintaining the yard and planting flowers seasonally, allowing the girls to assist even though it prolongs the process.
24. Love is pushing the kids on swings and constructing sandcastles until your arms ache.
25. Love encompasses our family, with all the joy, concern, laughter, fear, and effort that comes with it.

To my partner—I love you. I wouldn’t choose anyone else to navigate this journey of life with.

For more insights into the world of parenting and home insemination, you can explore additional resources like this informative article on our blog, and check out Make A Mom’s expert advice on artificial insemination. Additionally, for helpful information on pregnancy, visit March of Dimes for week-by-week resources.