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The Fast-Forward Button
I have a little secret to share: I hit the fast-forward button on the first couple of years of my daughter’s life, and now I’m left with a sense of regret.
When I first welcomed my little ones into the world, I cherished every moment—those snuggles, the feedings, the endless diaper changes, and the sweet coos. But then, reality came crashing down like a heavy frying pan, and suddenly I was overwhelmed, wishing the days away.
When will this baby finally sleep? When will my belly go back to normal? When will I feel like myself again? (Spoiler alert: probably never!) I caught myself longing for the next phase instead of embracing the present. I thought, “It’ll be so much better when she sleeps for three hours straight.” And then she did, but I was already looking forward to the next milestone.
I kept thinking, “It will be easier when she can crawl, or walk, or talk.” I couldn’t wait for teething to finish because her cries made everyone miserable (especially during the 2 AM feedings). Without realizing it, I was wishing away those fleeting moments that I now realize were so precious.
Days seemed to stretch on endlessly, and those sleepless nights felt infinite, yet somehow the years zipped by like a blur. Now, I find myself yearning for the feeling of my baby kicking inside me at night. I miss the sound of that little heartbeat through the Doppler and the awe of watching the ultrasound technician reveal our tiny swimmer. I wish I had locked in every detail of the moment the doctor announced “It’s a girl!” as they placed her on my chest for the first time.
I regret rushing through those late-night feedings, where I should have been savoring each moment rather than dreaming about sleep. I want to relive those magical milestones—her first crawl, her first steps, and the moment she called me “Mama” for the first time. I want to experience it all over again.
Recognizing how swiftly time passes has taught me to appreciate the present. Instead of constantly looking ahead, I now focus on enjoying our journey, one day and one spill at a time.
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Summary:
In this reflective piece, Emily Carter shares her experience of rushing through the early years of her daughter’s life, only to realize later how quickly time flies. She emphasizes the importance of savoring each moment and encourages readers to appreciate the present rather than focus on future milestones.
Keyphrase: fast-forward parenting moments
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]