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10 Surprising Moments in Motherhood I Didn’t See Coming
As moms, we often spend our pregnancy or adoption journey preparing for every possible scenario. We dive into books, read blogs, consult doctors, and seek advice from family, all in an effort to give our little ones the best possible start. Yet, when that tiny bundle is finally in our arms, it’s a whole different ballgame. The first year is a whirlwind of emotions, swinging between “What did I get myself into?” and “Okay, I think I can handle this!” But let me tell you, those initial experiences are just the beginning of a rollercoaster ride you could never fully prepare for. Here are 10 moments that caught me off guard:
- The first time my almost 5-year-old called me “mom.” Not “mommy” or “mama,” but just “mom.” It hit me hard. It was such an adult thing to say and a stark reminder that my baby is growing up.
- Her first kiss. I know, four is way too young for that, but there it was. It didn’t mean anything to her or the little boy from the playground, but it marked the start of many more significant moments to come. I’m just not ready for her to grow up, and yet, here we are.
- The first time she put her own dishes in the sink without prompting. Sure, teaching independence is the goal, but can’t she stay reliant on me for just a bit longer? I’d happily wash her dishes forever if it meant keeping her little.
- Her first drop-off birthday party. Wow, that was a tough one. I had two hours to myself and no idea what to do with all that free time.
- The first time she expressed her opinion about her clothes. Sure, I’m proud that she’s developing her own style, but I miss having her in the outfits I loved to pick out for her.
- Her first day of real school. We both cried, but by the end of the day, she was buzzing about new friends I had never even heard of. I couldn’t shake the worries—what if she gets bullied? What if she doesn’t have enough to eat? What if she struggles to speak up? It’s tough to trust that we’ve raised her right when it feels like we’re sending her out into the big unknown.
- The first time she spent time with her grandparents without shedding a tear. Part of me felt brokenhearted, but the other part swelled with pride. I want her to enjoy their company, but there’s always that little voice wishing she’d miss me just a bit more.
- The first time she yelled at me for waking her up. I got a fleeting glimpse of what her teenage years might be like, and let me tell you, it’s not going to be easy!
- The first time she rolled her eyes at me. My sweet, polite girl suddenly morphed into a sassy version of herself, complete with attitude. Thankfully, these moments are still rare, but I know it’s only a matter of time before they become a daily occurrence.
- The first time she raided my makeup stash. I walked into the bathroom to find her trying to make herself look “pretty,” which really meant channeling a Monster High Doll. I wasn’t ready to share my hard-earned beauty products with her!
Today she’s four, but in just two days, she’ll be five. From then on, I know I’ll be facing even more moments I’m completely unprepared for. Thankfully, there are still times when I see my baby girl, but the reality is she’s growing up faster than I can keep up with.
If you’re interested in learning more about the journey of home insemination, you might find helpful insights in this article on intracervical insemination. Another great resource is Make a Mom, which offers guidance on couples’ fertility journeys. For more information about pregnancy, check out this excellent resource on in-vitro fertilization.
Summary
Motherhood is full of unexpected moments that leave us feeling unprepared and emotional. From the first time our child calls us “mom” to witnessing their growing independence, each experience brings a mix of pride and heartache. Despite all the preparation, it’s a journey that continually surprises us.