17 Comments
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Mary Dal Nogare's avatar

Love this one! I forgot about that phase, but can almost feel it again. "Just you wait until your baby learns how to not only blow kisses, but to open their mouth wide and bang their head against yours repeatedly in a semi-painful gesture of adoration." Very eye opening. It isn't fair how parenthood is portrayed which is one of the reasons why I started to contribute here on Substack. To share the reality.

Leah Nanpei's avatar

I know I think the thing I was most surprised about is how amazing having a kid is- yes it can be tough but the good outweighs the tough parts. I think the good should be emphasized more! There is nothing more amazing than a tiny kid waking up with a huge smile when you go to get them!

One a Day's avatar

Love this! Such a great way to look at things. Just wait until their little personalities blossom and you create this entire world filled with cuddles and new traditions and adventures. The best! (Hard AF but the best)

Leah Hamilton's avatar

I can’t wait!!!

The Female Archetypes's avatar

I love this. ❤️

I remember hearing so many "just you waits" when I was pregnant too, and so few people talking about all the wonderful bits.

Yes, motherhood is hard. There were definitely days postpartum where I wondered what on earth I'd done 😂. But then there are moments where my child reaches for my hand, says something that makes me cry laughing, or cuddles into me, and I realise my heart has grown in ways I never imagined.

I always want expecting parents to know the whole story. The hard bits are real, but so is the joy. Just you wait for that too.

Leah Hamilton's avatar

Absolutely. So glad it resonated with you 🤍

Megan Eldredge's avatar

Ugh this has me feeling all the feels 🩷

Leah Hamilton's avatar

That was the goal 😝☺️

Brittany Blumenthal's avatar

Love this

Leah Hamilton's avatar

🫶🏻🫶🏻

Julie Schechter's avatar

A perfect encapsulation! Why do people want to scare new parents when there's so much to tell them to look forward to?

Leah Hamilton's avatar

Right?! I wish people highlighted the good more when talking about parenthood.

Megwyn White's avatar

Loved this piece! I resonated so much with it, and am still deep into a lot of the challenges with a one year old. I do think our culture does a number on women scaring the them into waiting to have a baby or to not have a baby at all. But she is by far the best thing that has ever happened to me. So grateful for every moment and it truly makes the challenging ones well worth it!!

Leah Hamilton's avatar

I’m so glad it resonated. And I’m definitely not claiming that motherhood is beautiful and perfect all the time—just so worth it!

Megwyn White's avatar

Yes it’s definitely the hardest job I’ve ever had, and not for everyone. But there are so many precious gifts that come along with it. I’m glad I didn’t give into the fear and appreciate learning from other mothers like you!

Kate Citron's avatar

Cried reading this. I don't know if I want to have a baby but you make me less scared.

Leah Hamilton's avatar

I love you!!!