Becoming parents has been one of the greatest things that have ever happened to us. Probably up until our son turned one, we couldn’t believe that we actually had a baby. We knew a lot of things in regards to parenting before we had our son, but we quickly realized that parenting is an indefinite learning process. So in celebration of Father’s Day and because we didn’t do anything on the blog in regards to Mother’s Day… Here are 10 Things No One Tells You About Becoming A Parent.
ONE.
After the first 2 weeks, your newborn will eat… and then stay awake. Lol. We were used to our son falling asleep after he ate almost every single time. So we were shocked to find him still awake after he had finished nursing and we placed him in his bassinet.
TWO.
Even if you already think your relationship with your spouse is great and a baby can only add to that… Think again. You will eventually have an argument about your baby, some sooner than others and some later than others. And from there the 2 of you will probably figure it out and come to a compromise. Hopefully, it’ll be the only fight you have in regards to parenting (yea right).
THREE.
You will literally miss your baby if he takes a nap for too long. You’ll be wondering when he’s going to wake up. And you’ll also check to make sure he’s breathing several times throughout his nap if it seems to be a long nap.
FOUR.
Your love for your child will grow each day.
FIVE.
Your amazement of your child will grow with each new thing he can do. And then it’ll be a bittersweet moment as you realize your baby is growing up.
SIX.
Your child will teach you patience. If you don’t have it, you will learn to have it. And if you already feel like you’re very patient then you will find a new found patience.
SEVEN.
Sometimes you will laugh with your child when you’re trying to discipline him.
EIGHT.
When your child can finally say, “I love you,” it’s one of the greatest things ever. It’s pretty far up there with him saying “da da” and “ma ma” and actually knowing who’s who.
NINE.
Once your child is able to give you a hug, it’ll feel like the best hug you’ve ever had. You’ll find yourself randomly asking for a hug so you can feel their little arms squeeze your neck.
TEN.
Before becoming a parent, you might wonder about a lot of things you see other parents do and have a tendency to judge. For example, why is her toddler in the store without shoes on -although the toddler is in a stroller or basket? Once your baby becomes a toddler, you quickly realize that he pulls/kicks his shoes off as soon as you get in the car. And then you start waiting until it’s time to get out of the car to put his shoes on just for him to turn around and pull them off less than 5 minutes into the shopping trip. So you say, “Forget it,” and leave them off along with the socks. And in that moment you become less judgmental of the parents you see in the store.
Aww, these are all so sweet, but I especially love number 3!!
Number 3 is something that we still do even though he’s 2.5 now. Lol. My favorite is number 8. I first taught him how to sign, “I love you,” and that was exciting. But I just love when I now say, “I love you,” and he says it back. Melts my heart every time!
Number 9 all day. Also, something I learned is that there will be a last time for everything so treasure each milestone, there will be a last bottle, a last crawl, a last diaper change etc…. And the older they get the less it feels like they need you especially compared to a new born… It’s all a part of the process. Great post!
So I’m mad that I came up with this list and completely forgot about number 9. Lol. So actually number 8 & number 9 are my favorites. We’re definitely realizing that there’s a last time for everything. So we’re making the best of every moment and every new thing he does even if it’s something that’s not our favorite. Haha.
Lol! I’m looking forward to baby hugs. 🙂
I’m looking forward to them for you!
#9 has to be top for me. As an empty nester and grandpa, hugs from my kids were universal inspiration to my soul. Now when the grands come by it’s renewed all over.
Awww that’s so sweet. I, of course, never really thought about it from an empty nester’s perspective… I’m glad we still have several more years for that (although time is going by really fast!).
A “universal inspiration to my soul”. I love that. Just about sums it up for me.
Here are just some things which come to my mind. Being a parent is something that transforms you, and you can never be the same person you were before. It gives you great joy, but also worries. From that moment, you start to understand the things your parents have told you, but you couldn’t grasp them before. Parent’s work never ends, but in the end, it’s what makes the life worth living.
What you just said is a good summary of what parenting is. Nicely stated!
All of them are great especially 4 and 9. We have a one year old boy and enjoying every moment with him . Can’t wait to experience #8
Number eight will melt your heart!
Reading this post brought back a plethora of memories for me. Our son is almost 10 months and it does seem as though time has passed by so swiftly. I see a few of the comments mentioned #8. We unfortunately have not made it to that point yet lol. I am sure my heart will melt and the water works will start once he does. Honestly, I have learned so much (still learning) about being a parent . I am still trying to focus on taking every day one step at a time and enjoying every milestone (as well as the last moments) when they come. I truly feel as if I am wearing my heart on my sleeve at times. It was a pleasure reading this post and the comments.
Now that you have a child you will continue to feel like you’re wearing your heart on your sleeves, especially when you realize that he’s growing up > yet again <. And I'll make sure to have some tissue handy if I'm around! Haha.
LOL. Thank you! I will definitely need some. He climbed up the entire flight of stairs two days ago. I was so happy and excited for him. I had to hold back the tears LOL. I cheered for him and he cheered back lol. Soon he will be walking, oh boy!!!! Little man is growing up a little each day.
Lol. That’s exactly how it goes!