I never thought I’d admit I miss my girls as babies. Yes they cried, needed me for everything and quite often I had no idea what they actually wanted (so not much has changed then!) but together we got through it. Don’t get me wrong I love them as the crazy, attitude riddled individuals they have become (not all the time, maybe most of the time or even just some of the time), but sometimes I swear they were easier to deal with as a baby. Obviously I would never, ever have said that at the time. But now, it’s a different story. They talk back, give me attitude, they go feral and they only hear what they want, which is always the complete opposite of what I actually said. Yes, for those of you living with teenage girls, I know I’m not there yet, but I’ve already had a glimpse of that with my partner’s daughters and I’m happy to stay in this current phase with my girls….for now, just for the time being. Or maybe we can just hit rewind and find the happy medium, whatever or whenever that actually was! Feels like a lifetime ago.
I’m really selling this for any new mums or soon-to-be mums of little girls out there. I won’t lie…much, I promise, haha. Little girls can be a handful too. It’s not all sunshine and butterflies or pretty dresses and hairstyles. You might have a fleeting moment of that. Hold on to it dearly, it will get you through the tough times, the tantrums or the emotional meltdowns over I don’t even know what or why. Some days even I cry for no reason, because I don’t know what the hell is going on! Haha! Is there ever a good stage?! One where everyone is content and happy and nice to each other? Does it exist or am I dreaming? Look I know it’s not all bad, but some days all I do is swear and hope for the best, that we will actually survive the day.
I know one day I’ll look back and think how fast it all went and how all the “hard stuff” was really nothing after all. But right now, it doesn’t always seem like it. If only there was that elusive parenting manual that told you exactly what your child needed and when; how much they would change or even when you have done something right for them (does it happen?!). We’d all be perfect parents. Haha, there’s no such thing and if you think you are, well good luck to you! It’s not always an easy job, it’s quite often a thankless one but it can also be rewarding when you watch them achieve so much like developing reading and writing skills or swimming or riding a bike. Even opening a packet of food themselves sometimes is a big deal. Hey, you celebrate the small wins when you can!
Okay I must admit there is some good stuff. I think I may have even talked about it before, once or twice when I really needed to remind myself. They tell you you’re the best Mumma, that you’re beautiful, how much they love you, all that soppy stuff. The cute little kisses and sweet smiles (sometimes there’s a cheeky/naughty reason for it, watch that, don’t let them fool you!), when they still want to hold your hand or the best one of all, when they throw their little…or big growing arms…around you and give you the sweetest hug. I know I will miss that when they stop. Aha, who says I’ll let them stop??!! I think I’ll just make the most of everything, while I still can.