I believed I was adequately prepared for parenthood. I extensively read books, listened to podcasts, and even attended therapy sessions.
However, the reality is quite different. As anyone who has transitioned into parenthood knows, no amount of preparation can truly ready you for the journey.
Over the years of being a stepmother and a new parent, numerous things have caught me off guard. Here are 25 of them:
1. Berries have become a significant expense in our household, prolonging our mortgage repayment. Yes, berries.
See, I wouldn’t typically spend $7.99 on a small container of blueberries, but last fall, they were my little one’s favorite snack. Despite the cost, I kept adding them to the shopping cart, hoping for a peaceful moment.
2. I find myself tearing up at the mere thought of any child getting hurt, disappointed, or, heaven forbid, harmed.
3. The sheer number of discussions my partner and I have had about baby poop is astounding.
4. My online shopping habits have shifted drastically. Instead of browsing for clothes or home decor for myself, I now have multiple tabs open for baby and kids’ items, constantly on the lookout for sales and new toys to keep them engaged.
5. Achieving six consecutive hours of sleep now feels like a forbidden luxury, celebrated with much excitement and high fives.
6. I claim to be buying new Duplo sets for my toddler, but truth be told, it’s more to break the monotony of using the same blocks every day.
7. The longing for my pre-baby body, especially my old breasts, is real.
8. Surprisingly, my children have better eating habits than I do. Thanks to my partner’s culinary skills, they enjoy a variety of nutritious meals while I often rely on their leftovers.
9. It’s perfectly normal for babies and toddlers not to sleep through the night at various stages of their development. It can be challenging, but it’s part of the journey.
10. Witnessing my child achieve developmental milestones makes me beam with pride, almost believing they’re a prodigy with each new word or skill.
11. The never-ending mystery of the dishwasher and laundry basket, which seem to magically refill themselves as soon as they’re emptied.
12. Running out of diapers late at night is a universal parental nightmare. The sudden realization of low supplies always strikes at the most inconvenient times.
13. Nap times never go as planned, especially when there’s urgent work or calls to attend to. Babies seem to have a sixth sense about disrupting schedules.
14. Parenting triggers a deep reflection on one’s own childhood experiences, reliving past memories and emotions with each stage of your child’s growth.
15. Nap times become the most productive hours of the day, maximizing every moment of silence for tasks and chores.
16. Body changes post-pregnancy can be surprising, like the newfound fascination with your belly button’s transformation.
17. Even a night away from home doesn’t guarantee uninterrupted sleep, as parental instincts remain on high alert regardless of the distance.
18. The quest for durable leggings for crawling infants continues, as regular wear and tear challenge the longevity of baby clothes.
19. Despite occasional nights of uninterrupted sleep, parental anxiety often disrupts the peace, leading to midnight check-ins to ensure the baby is safe.
20. Mixed emotions follow a night of peaceful sleep, with a tinge of sadness for missing out on nighttime cuddles despite the relief.
21. Parenting comes with a flood of opinions from all directions, highlighting the diversity of perspectives and the uncertainty that shrouds childcare.
22. Minor accidents are part of parenting, serving as learning experiences for both children and caregivers. Seeking reassurance from professionals is common, even for seemingly trivial incidents.
23. Breastfeeding isn’t always a smooth journey, contrary to popular belief. The challenges and complexities can be overwhelming, requiring patience and support during the initial stages.
24. The rapid growth of children is a bittersweet realization, marking the passage of time with each milestone and outgrown outfit.
25. Amidst the inevitable challenges, parenthood is filled with moments of unparalleled joy and wonder that surpass the struggles, offering a glimpse of the immense happiness that lies ahead for new parents.
This article originally appeared on Capsule and is republished with permission