Dear Sweet Child,
You, my vibrant and determined little one, are 2 years old. You have a knack for bending the rules, breaking them entirely, and sometimes even creating your own.
Before your arrival, I had a vision of the kind of mother I would be, complete with my own set of guidelines. However, I must confess that many of those aspirations have been altered or completely disregarded.
I promised to breastfeed for the first year (I broke this). You were insatiable, nursing constantly, and my body just couldn’t keep pace. Pumping proved to be a challenge, and frankly, I wasn’t fond of being exposed in public. Exhaustion set in, and after just two weeks of breastfeeding, we found a much better rhythm with formula, which made us all happier.
I intended to rest when you rested. Everything else could wait (I bent this). Tasks like laundry, dishes, and even basic meals piled up. While you napped, I found myself handling a plethora of chores. But every now and then, I would take a moment to cuddle you close, and in those beautiful instances, where our heartbeats synchronized, I realized that those minutes were worth far more than any completed task.
I vowed not to let my kids watch television (I bent this). Some days simply call for a break, where we can relax with “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” or find solace in a quiet moment while waiting at the doctor’s office. There are times when you’re just too worn out, and I need a breather too.
I had sworn I wouldn’t be the overly anxious first-time parent with endless questions for the pediatrician (I broke this spectacularly). I once took you in because I was convinced your pinky toe was crooked, fearing it might impede your walking.
I thought I wouldn’t let your schedule dictate my life (Broken). Missing nap times or pushing back bedtimes revealed quickly how vital a routine was for our sanity.
I aspired for you to eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables (I’d love to say I bent this, but let’s be real, I broke it). Recently, hot dogs have been the staple of your dinners, while the only “vegetables” you accept are sugary pouches. But hey, you did lick broccoli once, so there’s hope!
I wanted to maintain my social life (I bent this). Motherhood has transformed me in ways I didn’t foresee. The perfect night now includes comfy pajamas and watching you laugh with your father. Yet, amidst the chaos, a night out with friends after a long week is sometimes the best remedy.
I was determined to regain my pre-baby body and stay consistent with gym workouts (Oh, how I’ve broken this). My body has changed in ways I cherish and don’t, and I can’t recall the last time I set foot in the gym. Breakfast became cookies and lunch was goldfish—quite the shift.
I promised I wouldn’t discuss poop (This rule was shattered before you even arrived). It’s unavoidable.
I said I wouldn’t count down to “wine time” (I seem to break this daily). No need for explanation there.
I aimed to avoid the yoga pant stereotype (This has been bent). I once resisted, but eventually realized that sometimes comfort takes precedence. Though, I do try to spruce up occasionally when I realize I’ve been in workout clothes for a week straight, just to feel like myself again.
I told myself my children would learn to fall asleep independently (Broken). I underestimated how enchanting it would be to hold you close, inhaling that sweet baby scent while you drifted off in my arms.
So, my darling, I’ve clearly bent and broken many of my own rules. As you grow, you’ll come to understand that some guidelines are meant to be flexible. The one principle I will always uphold, however, is this: I will love you and your sibling with every fiber of my being, now and forever.
For more insights on the journey of motherhood, check out this excellent resource on artificial insemination or learn about IVF success rates. If you’re curious about home insemination, look at this guide on the home insemination kit.