My husband, Jake, and I are celebrating nearly 12 years of marriage, during which we’ve welcomed six children into our lives in just seven years. Each day feels like a marathon, and our goal is simply to make it to bedtime, where we can finally collapse in exhaustion. In this phase of life, love isn’t defined by grand romantic gestures; it’s about the little things that show we care deeply for one another.
Love manifests in countless small ways, and it’s about providing support when it’s needed most, truly seeing one another amidst the chaos of parenting. It’s being present every single day, doing the hard work together. So, here’s my take on what love really signifies during this wild, demanding stage of family life:
- Love is surprising me with that perfect coffee, even though you’re not a fan, because you know I thrive on those little caffeinated moments.
- Love is taking charge of bedtime for the kids, allowing me a night out with friends to unwind and catch up on the latest gossip.
- Love is recognizing that when I text, “How’s it going?” I’m really asking, “When will you be home? Please hurry!”
- Love means understanding that I need to share my daily ups and downs with my best friends and sisters—yes, all 211 of them.
- Love is sharing my worries about our kids and discussing their social interactions at school or their developmental milestones.
- Love is the gentle reminder that I’m doing a great job as a mom, especially on days when I feel overwhelmed.
- Love is cleaning out my snack-strewn, milk-spilled minivan without me even asking.
- Love is embracing my post-baby body and the “mommy pouch” that comes with it.
- Love is texting me while shopping to ask what we need and patiently waiting for my lengthy list of essentials.
- Love is recognizing that sometimes I just need a breather—even if it means locking myself in the bathroom for a moment of solitude with a glass of wine.
- Love is jumping up to clean up spilled drinks at dinner so I can focus on eating.
- Love is making me laugh at the most trivial things until I’m in tears.
- Love means taking on more than your fair share of diaper duties without complaint.
- Love is digging through the cupboards at 3 a.m. searching for the medicine that will soothe our daughter’s earache.
- Love is heading straight to the dishwasher when you come home, knowing it’s my least favorite chore.
- Love is enduring long lines for the balloon artist because our girls can hardly contain their excitement.
- Love is offering to help when I’m clearly overwhelmed by the chaos around us.
- Love is celebrating our daughters for who they are, even when they surprise us with their unique qualities.
- Love is snuggling with the big girls at bedtime night after night.
- Love is saying “I’m sorry” often, understanding the importance of humility.
- Love is sharing those hilarious memes about the chaos of raising toddlers.
- Love means knowing “The Look” I give you that says, “I need your help right now.”
- Love is maintaining the yard and letting the kids assist, even if it makes the task take twice as long.
- Love is pushing the kids on swings and building sandcastles until my arms feel like jelly.
- Love is our family, with all the joy, concern, laughter, fears, and hard work that accompany it.
To Jake, I love you deeply. There’s no one else I’d rather navigate this journey of parenthood with than you.
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In summary, love in the whirlwind of raising young children is defined by everyday gestures of support, understanding, and shared experiences. It’s about building a family together, cherishing the moments, no matter how small.
Keyphrase: Love in the era of parenting young children
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