srgnmom

My pregnancy was a surprise and I never felt strongly about having kids, I mostly assumed I wouldn’t. I thought being pregnant and delivering a baby were among the top worst things that could happen to a person pain wise so I had extremely low expectations and was pleasantly surprised at how fine I was. However, I did not have expectations for the first year and it was so much harder than pregnancy. And then I was surprised at how wonderful 12 months onward has been! All this to say is it’s a rollercoaster. I’m obsessed with my son who’s 2.5 now, so much that I want another one, and I hope now that I know what 0-12 months is like, I’ll be more prepared that it’s tough, but it does end. What also surprised me is how much I genuinely enjoy doing stuff with him. It’s not a sacrifice to go to the zoo rather than brunching with friends on the weekend or sleeping in. Even some of my friendships are stronger now that they are parents too and my relationship with my parents is stronger. Lastly, I am in a privaledged situation to be financially capable of hiring help / daycare and I am also nearby to family who help a lot. I would have a MUCH different perspective if I couldn’t also travel (albeit much less than when childless) and also focus on my career and also spend time with my husband and so on! You don’t have to be rich, but childcare is very expensive at the beginning and parenting is much easier with help.