Feeding your baby should be fun, right? I mean, who doesn’t look forward to putting a curious baby in a highchair and spooning him or her foods like sweet potatoes, avocados, oatmeal cereal, and bananas. Before Jack was born I couldn’t wait for the food stage. I had high hopes of making all his food and was so looking forward to watching him experience his first tastes. Now that the time has arrived though, I’ve actually found the process of beginning him on solids a little bittersweet.
One thing (…of the many things!) I’ve learned since having my son is how different I now perceive time than I did pre-baby. While pregnant and during the newborn stage I counted the days and weeks as they passed. Then, when I lost count of the days and weeks, I started counting the months. Now it seems as if I measure time and growth on the milestones my son reaches. The first time he slept in his crib, the first time he smiled and giggled, the first time he rolled over, and so on and so forth.
This easy way for tracking time though can also be hard on a mama’s heart. Each time my son achieves those milestones I am of course excited for him, but also feel a little sad that he’s growing so fast. During those first weeks, advice comes from all sides. Usually said advice is counterproductive as many say to soak it all in, while others say to just survive these times. There is light at the end of the tunnel we’re told. We will sleep again someday (some sooner than others!) we’re promised. One day you’ll miss these days we’re assured…
I think part of what makes the newborn stage so difficult is that you’re an exhausted, round-the-clock feeding machine, who hasn’t showered or eaten a proper meal in days. And staring back at you in return for all of your hard work is a sweet little baby… with a stone cold face. You don’t know if they love you. You don’t know if they’re happy and if you’re fulfilling their needs. Thankfully though, right as you hit that breaking point is when the clouds finally part and your sweet yet solemn little babe delivers the most precious, perfect grin you’ve ever laid eyes on. And that my friends is when you slowly melt into a puddle on the floor…
I think a lot of moms measure age by milestones, but I encourage all of you to not get so wrapped up in getting where you’re going that you miss the beautiful journey. We are only six months down the road, but already I can feel myself missing those days. If you’re anxiously waiting for your child to eat, crawl, stand, walk, talk, etc. then we may miss all those beautiful moments in between. Mamas slow down – take a few deep breaths and soak in the scent of your baby’s soft head and kiss those round cheeks every chance you get. We’ll all hit those milestones eventually, but don’t wish away those fleeting moments today.