I’m 40, and somehow, I’m surrounded by friends who keep popping out babies like they’re making friendship bracelets. Every time someone shares a picture of their chunky little one on social media, the comments flood in from other women talking about their “baby fever,” claiming their “ovaries are bursting,” or even joking about wanting to “steal that baby.” Some go as far as to say they’d like to eat the baby. Seriously, what’s up with that?
I had a brief moment of baby fever with each of my kids—just long enough for me to hope I’d get pregnant until the moment I actually did. After that, I was pretty much done with the baby phase. Yes, even when my kids were actually infants. Not that I didn’t adore them. I certainly did! I have video footage of me flapping my arms and squealing when my son clapped his tiny hands. And I can’t deny that a toddler taking their first steps is one of the cutest sights on Earth. Plus, there’s nothing quite like a baby’s laughter. I’m not heartless.
But let’s be real: babies are a monumental amount of work. They have bizarre sleeping patterns, eat at least 52 times a day, and manage to create messes that can reach neck-level. And they want to be glued to you constantly. I thrive on my alone time and prefer not to be touched by tiny hands all day. And sleep? Have you ever enjoyed a full eight hours? It’s glorious!
Ironically, despite all the work they require, babies can be incredibly dull. Sure, they’re adorable, but after the first ten minutes with them, it’s like, “Okay, now what?” We’ve already done all the fun activities we could manage. Want to do a crossword puzzle together or watch a documentary? Spoiler alert: babies aren’t interested. They care about milk and colorful objects. They make terrible conversation partners, knowing only a handful of words at best.
So, honestly, I don’t understand the whole baby fever phenomenon. Each stage my kids reached after their baby days has been my favorite. I used to think the baby phase was the best, but that was just my hormone-addled brain speaking. Once my kids moved beyond the tedious baby stage, I discovered a world of incredible experiences: actual sleep, meaningful conversations, and the joy of watching them become independent. And let’s face it, I haven’t folded laundry in five years. Babies can’t do that, folks.
I chose to have children because I wanted kids, not just babies. While I cherished the baby stages, now I realize that every stage after it has brought so much more joy. For instance, two years ago, my son was in a phase I adored, but now? He’s 13, and while teenage drama is real, I’m constantly amazed by how wonderfully human he is. He has a distinct personality now, which is wild considering his baby days when he mainly expressed himself by crying. This kid can play piano by ear! I mean, what happened to that little cone-headed baby?
My daughter, who is ten, is also a marvel. She’s one of the kindest people I know—almost to a fault. She’s recently taken up card tricks and it’s fascinating to watch her dive into something so intricate. Here’s this half-grown human who started as a zygote in my belly, now choosing to master the art of card counting. Babies are cute, but my ten-year-old is doing card tricks and crafting her own jokes. What kind of magic is this?
I once worried that my lack of baby obsession made me odd, that I was missing some inherent maternal instinct. But I’ve come to realize that feelings about babies vary widely among women, and I’m perfectly fine with my perspective. I truly enjoy my time with my kids now; I look forward to it in ways I never did when they were babies. Sure, I loved them deeply, but I dreaded the long, monotonous days filled with diaper changes and endless baby talk. There were blissful moments, but let’s not pretend there wasn’t a whole lot of boredom.
So yes, when I see an adorable baby, I might think, “Oh my goodness, that baby is cute.” But I never feel the urge to have another baby myself or even babysit. I mean, I’d do it for a friend if needed, but if I ever babysit your little one, just know I might be faking interest after the first hour, no matter how adorable they are. That’s just the truth!
For more insights on this topic, you can check out this post from our blog. If you’re considering options for starting a family, Make A Mom provides valuable resources too. And for a comprehensive overview of pregnancy treatments, visit WebMD.
Summary:
In this reflection on motherhood, the author shares her perspective on baby fever, expressing that while babies are undeniably cute, the demands of caring for them can be overwhelming and often boring. She emphasizes the joy of watching her children grow and develop their unique personalities. Each stage of her kids’ lives has brought her more happiness than their baby years, and she feels no urge to return to that phase. Ultimately, she embraces her individuality in how she views babies and motherhood.
Keyphrase: baby fever
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