It’s a universal truth that babies don’t arrive with an instruction manual in hand. Becoming a parent doesn’t require any formal training or qualifications. You leave the hospital cradling your newborn, bursting with pride, yet utterly clueless about what lies ahead. Who among us hasn’t pulled over just to check if the baby was still breathing? I know I did it multiple times.
Once home, reality sets in. The endless cycle of diaper changes and feedings reveals that your life has irrevocably changed. Someone else’s needs will always come first, and right now, that someone demands everything from you. It’s an exhilarating and daunting experience—everything you imagined and yet nothing like you expected. Welcome to parenthood!
As you settle into this new reality, the outside world starts intruding with unsolicited advice and opinions. The pressure mounts as you realize your little one is on a timeline to achieve a list of milestones—first smile, first tooth, the fabled full night’s sleep, crawling, walking, talking, and even mastering the art of using the potty (not to mention standing on their heads reciting Shakespeare, though that’s probably not a must-have skill).
Attention, new parents: All these milestones will come, I promise.
Okay, maybe not the last one, but it’s definitely not crucial. You won’t find many adults still sucking on pacifiers (though, I could share a few stories from my husband’s bachelor party that might challenge that claim). Early morning wake-up calls and midnight crib parties will soon be memories, as parents of teenagers can attest—they spend their mornings just trying to get their kids out of bed. And I’ve yet to meet anyone whose partner still needed their mom to tuck them in at night; that would be a deal-breaker.
You might find yourself worrying that your baby is lagging behind while peers are already walking. It’s natural to feel pride when they take those first steps, but you’ll also feel a pang of nostalgia for the days when you could leave them in one spot without worry. You’ll miss those late-night cuddles, perhaps not immediately, but eventually, you will. Every milestone celebrated is a step further from that helpless bundle you brought home from the hospital.
So, during those sleepless nights filled with feeding and wonder, remember: this phase will come to an end. Before you know it, you’ll be buying school uniforms and marveling at how quickly your little one has grown. You’ll be amazed at this walking, talking individual who has developed their own opinions and isn’t shy about sharing them.
Some milestones will come easily, while others will require effort and perseverance. At times, you might think you have a child prodigy; at other times, you’ll worry they’re falling behind. But through all the successes and challenges, that precious little one you created will always be perfect in your eyes.
Here’s to your little one, who may not be reciting Shakespeare just yet but could probably outrun Usain Bolt in a race—and they wear a hat like a champ!
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In summary, the journey of parenthood is filled with challenges and joys. Embrace every moment, and remember that milestones will come in their own time—your little one is perfect just the way they are.