I recently wrote a post called, The Silent Mommy War. Thanks to all of you, it has taken off like wildfire! So many other moms could relate. But I received/read a few comments that basically said: Yes, kids can be a pain no matter the age but they are also amazing.
Which got me to thinking. Did anyone think that I was saying kids are only a pain and never a blessing? I certainly hope not. I absolutely love being a mom. Each age and stage have their own struggles but they each have their own joys as well. I only have a three year old now but here are my favorite parts of ages and stages up to now.
Newborns
– The first time they look at you
– The first smile
– The snuggles <3
– The adorable outfits
– That precious newborn smell
Babies
– First word
– All the rest of the first (first sitting up, first crawling, etc.)
– Their wonder and joy when they discover something new
Toddler/Preschoolers
– The ability to have a conversation
– Less diapers 😉
– The love of learning
– More understanding of the world around them
– When they tell you “I love you”
Every day I learn more things I love about my daughter’s particular age and stage. Sure, I also learn some things that I don’t like. But here’s the think. Parenting is my job. Every job has aspect that you just plain don’t like. Every job has days where you just want to hide or walk away. Parenting is no different. It is the hardest job I will ever have so of course the high points are higher and the low points are lower. I wouldn’t trade my job for anything. It may be the hardest job I’ve ever had but it’s also the best. Parenting littles only lasts for so long and I plan to enjoy the high points to the best of my abilities. 🙂
Absolutely agree! We are just seeming to come out of a seemingly eternal length of time for the littles now that my oldest are 6, 8, and 9 (I have six total). The small ones surely keep us all on our toes, but after getting through this season already with the firsts, I have less anxiety and frustration now than before because I know that they grow out of much of the childishness, and none of it is because of something I am screwing up (which I really struggle with). Thanks for sharing!
I do miss some of the things from when Abby was a baby. I’m sure I’ll miss the non-stop noise of a three year old too…someday. 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
Yep, every single one of those on your list is worth all the hard work! Found you over on the A Little R & R Wednesdays Link Up! What a sweet post. I would add that my preschooler also makes me LAUGH with some of the things that come out of her mouth.
Oh my goodness, yes! How could I have forgotten that one? My preschooler does as well. 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Nice post! One of my favorite things about a newborn and baby is the way my stress melts into adoration about one minute after she starts breastfeeding. Those hormones are wonderful!
That’s a great one!
I love all the stages as well, but I especially love the newborn stage. I love how newborns like to sleep all snuggled up on your chest, with their legs all tucked up under them. I love the sweet little noises they make when they are nursing, and are completely content. Such a blessing!
I had forgotten about how much a newborn curls up. So sweet. Thanks for reminding me of that. 🙂
Newborns sleep? Not much in my house. That special look of bliss when nursing. You never see it after they are weaned.
I remember the moment I had a real conversation with our son. It was great. Sentences and thought, questions and answers. I love talking to my little man!
That is so much fun, isn’t it? 🙂
I am so happy you posted this! Often there is this wait and anticipation for the next stage…we should just enjoy the stages that they are in. And see the beauty of each stage.
My 3 year old has so many questions…so I will see it as: more understanding of the world around her, the love of learning and the ability to have a conversation.
Thanks for pointing this out!
I like to consider the fact that my 3yr never stops talking ever to be a good thing as it means she doesn’t have speech delay, etc. Sometimes, I have to find the bright side. 😉
There sure are fun things to focus on at each stage. Good to remind ourselves of those when the challenging things start taking over our thoughts. Sometimes when a situation seems too trying I imagine it as though I were reading about it or listening to a friend tell about it . . . helps me not take it so seriously, see the lighter side and maybe find humor in it.
That’s a good idea. I’ll have to try that. 🙂
Ah Julie! This something I need to be reminded of often as I have two young ones of my own. I like how you compared being a mom to a job and how there are aspects that you don’t like and that you like just like a job would have. This puts things in a better perspective for me. Thanks!
It helps keep things in perspective for me too. 🙂
I think sometimes moms talk about the bad parts because they want to vent a little and know they aren’t alone. I wouldn’t take it personally!
Considering this post is in response to posts I also wrote about the bad/hard parts, definitely not taking it personally. 😉