Noone will debate that having a child changes your life and your world as you know it. But everyone still has their own unique perspective on their entrance to parenthood. That's why it's so fun asking new moms about their experience. We recently asked a friend of ours who is a new mom a couple of thought provoking questions. First- what is her favorite thing right now about having a baby. Second, what has been the most difficult thing.
Her favorite thing, or at least one of her favorites- watching her little baby girl taste foods for the very first time. She's never tasted chocolate, or popcorn, or pasta, or sushi, and watching her take those first bites is a way to remember the good things in life that we so easily take for granted as adults.
Her answer to my second question about the most difficult thing: losing her identity for a bit, and then she added- "And my body- my body will never be quite the same!"
We want to hear from you- what's been one of your favorite things about parenthood- how about the most difficult or challenging?
photo from Science News Online
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
BEst thing: seeing her smile of recognition when she "gets" something for the first time. Watching her sleep.
Worst: Worrying about being a good parent
view Sofia's profile
There are so many good things. I love watching him start to make the connections about the power of language. When I heard him say "Puhleesh" when he wanted something unprompted and we rewarded the request with the object, the look of amazement on his face will stay with me forever. I will never forget his first laugh, when we realized that he was very ticklish. He startled himself with the sound that he made and then, after a beat, laughed at that. I love holding his hand, now that he is just tall enough, and going on little walks. As we set out further from home, watching him take in the world; doing the toddler squat to inspect things up close; running his tiny hand along the top of a low stone wall; touching the various prickly evergreen bushes and comparing how they feel... all of it is wonderful to behold. The BEST thing, however, has to be the squeal of joy he lets out and the racing around that he does when we reunite after I have been away for a while (coming home from work or even just a long errand)... it's magical.
The other thing, if you're lucky to have had good parents, is realizing what their love for you really was all about. I feel closer to my dad now that I am a father.
The worst thing is the worry. The emergency room visits in the middle of the night; any "non standard" medical test; a brush with a tornado. At those points, you are almost too scared to breath, but you have to. You soldier on and do the right thing, because that's your job... but it doesn't make it even a little bit easier.
view Jim's profile
Beautifully put Jim.
My favourite thing about my 7 month old son are all the little tricks he discovers. Like razzing his lips, "rocking out", rolling and rolling and rolling, banging his rattle at the base of the coffee table because it makes a sound, etc.
The most difficult thing was in the beginning when I thought nothing would ever be normal again. Sleep (where and when), clothing (my body and nursing), eating (no longer on my own schedule).
view K's profile