It’s true that first borns are guinea pigs. Parents have to be broken in.
First time around we were more stressed out, trying to do everything “right.” Is this enough milk? How long should she nurse for? What is a good nap schedule? How often should she be pooping? What is “normal?” Surely, google knows best. Because I have never been a parent before.
We attempted to recreate “ideal” conditions based on facts and figures. Do this. Don’t do that. Be careful about this. Watch out for that.
But parenting is not theory. It is flesh and blood. It is real life. When I tried to “get it right,” I ended up living in my head and not being present with my heart. My firstborn broke me in.
Second time around I allowed myself to enjoy my sweet fresh-from-heaven baby even more. I let go of schedules for some extra cuddling and chubby face smooches.
To the stressed out me who wants to get everything right, I say, “Open your heart. There is a gift to be received. Be present in the moment. More hugs. More snuggles. More enjoyment.”
Babyhood is a rarity to be deeply savored. And perhaps toddlerhood, too (ahem).