If you’ve ever:
- gotten a lump in your throat while you heard the heartbeat of your baby
- unwrapped your newly swaddled baby, completely out of curiosity
- held the feet of an infant to your lips
- gotten tears on your baby’s head in the middle of the night while feeding him
- been so tired you handed your spouse a sippy cup instead of his iced tea glass
- researched the cure for croup on WebMD, at 3 a.m.
- picked a tiny nose with your pinky finger
- stumbled over your words, as you explained something so very big to someone so very small
- wished with all your might for moments forever lost in time
- paced the halls of your home, praying & mentally willing a fever to break
- wondered how it was possible for a little person to eat so much
- wondered how it was possible for a little person to eat so little
- discussed growth spurts, cradle cap, and the color, consistency and smell of poop, over a nice dinner with your spouse
- were surprised at how long his little legs were getting as you re-tucked him in, before retiring for the night
- felt a lovely warming sensation on your belly, and for a moment wondered why. (Oh yes, you are holding your newborn son, who just peed through, again.)
- laid awake and wondered if you could have done something better
- heard 18 excuses why she doesn’t want to go to bed
- baked 32 cupcakes at 10:30 at night (after doing a milk run in your pajamas)
- filled out a field trip form, only to worry about all the things that could go wrong
- volunteered for said field trip to put your own mind at ease
- stayed by the window after allowing her to bike with her neighborhood friends for the first time
- been mad at someone else’s kid for hurting your kid’s feelings
- been more excited than ever for snow, just to see their faces
- made her favorite meal, just because
- tusseled his hair and pulled him back for a kiss and a hug, even when he tries to squirmed away
- laid awake at night and willed time to slow down
- thought you’d never, ever feel love like this – so raw and powerful – leaving you so very vulnerable
Then, you’re doing it right.
~T
