I think when my baby was really little and I went to a restaurant with a lot of coworkers and had her in a baby carrier on my chest. I knew she was just about to fall asleep so rocked a little while we checked out the menu. A coworker laughed at me and said “she’ll never go to sleep in this noisy place”. Less than a minute later my girl was blissfully asleep and slept the whole meal. I felt like I really knew my daughter and was reminded that I’m the mother. I felt like a real parent!

When I’m nursing my 3-month-old and simultaneously vrooming cars and trucks on the floor with the 3-year-old. It’s not always a success, but when the moods and focus align, I feel triumphant.

When someone asks us about our son. We are the experts on all things this kiddo, and we’re so proud of knowing him so well (or thinking we do, at least!).

I just had my second daughter two weeks ago. The other day, in my PJs, I dumped a huge load of both my daughters’ clean clothes on the bed and sat there sorting and folding baby and toddler clothes, much of the baby clothing being items my first daughter wore as a newborn as well. For some reason I felt very proud and content in that moment.

When I open our linen closet and catch a glimpse of my secret present collection. I remember finding the one my parents had as a kid and it was the MOST exciting.

When I’m talking to my coworkers about my kiddo and realize how obsessed I am.

Washing and cutting fruit!

Walking into the zoo amongst the other families with their strollers and diaper bags. I thought, this is our life now. We’re parents and this is what we do for fun on a day off. And it was so fun!

When something silly happens, like a stack of blocks fall or a toy car tips over, and my 13 month old’s head whips to me, we make eye contact, and together simultaneously burst out laughing. I feel so connected and utterly happy that I’m the person he seeks to share laughter with, I could burst.

Lately, it has been when I have ‘conversations’ with my 19-month-old daughter. She likes to repeat certain words and phrases over and over again, but sometimes I’m the only one who can understand her. It feels like we are in sync, and I hope she feels understood and seen.

For me it’s first thing in the morning approx 6.45am when I hear that joyful wee voice through the wall shouting for Mummy over and over. I feel like a whole new self, I used to be renowned for my long lies but I’m up like a shot to get next door and share her enthusiasm for the day, a 2 and a half year olds joy at each and every day is heartwarming.

Right now it’s making a big family decision that seems best for our daughter. Might not be what’s best for me personally, but for our family collectively. And this is really the first big decision like that we’ve had to make. It’s terrifying but I’m trying to learn from it and feel positive about doing what we think is best for her.

I have loved every minute of breastfeeding (my AA cup, family history of breast cancer boobs were unexpectedly transformed from a liability into a baby-satisfying superpower), but something about the act of making my one-year old’s lunch and packing it in his lunchbox for daycare the next day makes me feel most like a mom. I can barely get my act together to make lunch for myself, but after I put him to bed I carve out time to cook him a little omelette and cut up his berries and it fills me with the warm fuzzies of parenting.

When I got our nap averse toddler and fussy 2 month old to nap at the same time. It has only happened twice, but I felt like a superhero mom and reveled in achieving a quiet, restful house!

I am 100% with Emily, and it was more intense the first time, but it still gives me that “parent” feeling. Holding my sick kid while she sleeps and making sure she makes it to the “puke bowl” and then getting her back to sleep again. Something magical in those awful moments!

When I instinctively stick out my hand to catch spit up or vomit.

When I’m putting my daughter to bed each night and she asks for snuggles to help her fall asleep.

I agree that it’s staying up with a sick kid all night. There was one time in particular when my 20mo daughter had a high fever, the night after Thanksgiving, and I held her almost the whole night in the rocking chair because she couldn’t sleep. I was so exhausted but at the same time, my heart was full because I knew that in that moment I was the only person she needed. There’s nothing like being cuddled by Mommy when you’re sick.

When I gentle parent! No, it’s not permissive parenting. My son has ADHD and some pretty epic meltdowns. I think our parents generation would have yelled back, punished, etc without considering the emotions behind it. When I’m able to stay calm and help him through big feelings, gosh, I feel like I am really his person.