Given the title, I’m sure some of you are expecting a rant on how I’d like to lock the Little Monkey in a corner for a bit… quite the contrary actually. I’m often asked “Does it feel different?” and “What’s the biggest difference?” and until now, I’ve always said that there are small changes (like not being able to go to the movies on a whim and having to always pack a bag no matter where you go) but that for the most part having a child hasn’t been too big of a change.
However I think the biggest difference in having a child (and perhaps even a pet?? those with pets please feel free to weigh in) is that you remember to take a time out. They remind you that it can be fun just staring in bewilderment at someone else’s face. That splashing away in a tub on a Sunday evening can be relaxing. Prior to having a child most of our relaxing moments would be spent zoning out in front of the telly (of course we wait for 9 p.m. to do just that!) but now you will often find us starring at a sleeping baby, playing peek a boo or calling out random objects just to get a laugh, instead of rushing around or sitting idly on the couch.
For the most part these simple moments will only be in our memories and for that reason I try to document most if them for her to see,read and watch when she”s older. She’s probably the cheapest and most entertaining form of stress relief … for now. I’m sure she will eventually turn into the costliest bundle of stress for us, especially in her teen years. The biggest lesson and difference in having a child is the reminder to enjoy the simple moments in our lives that we were too busy to stop for.
