There are certain things about parenthood that should come with prior warning. The luminous green newborn poo. The seismic shift of the first smile. How you really will stop caring whether your hair is tidy, the way the very concept of “sleep training” is a cruel joke dreamed up by the childless, the fact that you won’t get bored of the cuddles and gummy grins, ever.
All that, and probably more, but especially also: the sudden developmental leaps. The ones that you know will happen one day, that you want to happen, but that knock you for six regardless. A couple of weeks we said goodbye to these:
All that, and probably more, but especially also: the sudden developmental leaps. The ones that you know will happen one day, that you want to happen, but that knock you for six regardless. A couple of weeks we said goodbye to these:
Or rather, the Bean said goodbye to his nappies. The box is still sitting in the hall, ogling me through the doorway as I type. I’ve yet to figure out where to stash it in our full-to-the-brim flat. I eyeball it back and think, but you’re all so pretty…
At 2 years and 3 weeks, the Bean has moved on to underpants, potties and the mini-toilets at the nursery. This is a truly GREAT thing: it is another step towards much-desired independence, it means much less laundry for me, it is an excuse to buy cute Gruffalo pants. The Bean is proud and pleased as punch, as well he should be. It’s an amazing thing.
At 2 years and 3 weeks, the Bean has moved on to underpants, potties and the mini-toilets at the nursery. This is a truly GREAT thing: it is another step towards much-desired independence, it means much less laundry for me, it is an excuse to buy cute Gruffalo pants. The Bean is proud and pleased as punch, as well he should be. It’s an amazing thing.
And yet, just like when he first started careering about on two feet, or yelled BYE BYE at the nursery drop-off instead of crying, this change is bittersweet. It is also a reminder that the day he no longer needs us, much less wants us, is approaching ever faster. It must be found, this independence, but I can’t shake the feeling that it is profound rather than ordinary. And yet I know it’s just me: to him going to the loo is now as ordinary as having milk and a cuddle before bed. Thank goodness there are still cuddles before bed.
Come say hello:
