Why I Miss Having a Newborn
When living with a newborn, the days (and nights) are long and tough. Really tough. Yet, there are things I miss and look forward to experiencing again. Things that make all those sleepless nights and never-ending days worth it.
That Newborn Scent
When I hold a newborn I can’t help but inhale the sweet scent of their head. It’s intoxicating! I could snuggle and breathe them in for hours. Sometimes I still sniff the top of my kids’ heads, but it’s not the same.
Baby Feet
I don’t know what it is, but there’s something adorable about baby feet. I don’t even like feet, but I’ll gladly nibble itty-bitty little piggies. It’s practically a requirement to marvel at their tiny fingers and toes and count them. Also, little socks and booties always make me say, “Awww!”
That Gummy Grin
The gas-induced smiles are cute, but nothing compares to baby's first real smiles. Those toothless grins light up the room!
The Finger Grab
It may start out as a reflex, but it melts my heart when a baby grabs my finger—it’s like a mini hug! It’s also fun watching them try to get it in their mouth. They are so determined and fascinated by those oh-so-tiny digits.
Baby Babble
Those first sounds that are something other than crying are like music to my ears. Baby babble, cooing and giggles are hard to resist.
Cute Outfits
With so many darling baby clothes to choose from, how can you not want to dress them up? The tiniest of onesies make me tear up at the memory of how little my kids used to be. The best though? Baby tuxedos. Not practical for most day-to-day activities but extremely adorable!
Skin-to-Skin
It was the perfect excuse not to wear a bra for days after giving birth. Seriously though, I miss feeling their little heart beating, feeling each breath they took and feeling connected.
Milk Comas
Feedings are wonderful bonding moments. You gaze into their eyes while stroking their cheek, listening to them drink. It's beautiful to watch as you nourish your child. Plus the milk coma look they get from falling asleep while eating is adorable.
Watching Them Sleep
Yes, you will miss sleep during those early days, but you also appreciate the quiet moments of simply observing them—watching the rise and fall of their tiny chest, their sweet and precious faces. It can be calming to sit and snuggle them while listening to them breathe. You can almost forget their days and nights are flipped. (Just almost.)
Baby-wearing
Believe it or not, I miss running errands and doing chores with a newborn. In the early days, they'll gladly sleep through it all while baby-wearing. I even miss the ease of traveling with a companion who would rather sleep than anything else during our trip.
Breastmilk Poop
I never thought I'd say I missed poop, but the truth is, newborn dirty diapers are far less stinky than older babies and toddlers. I don't miss the messes they create but the smell was much more tolerable!
Snuggling
It's a good thing newborns love to be held because I love to hold them. They fit perfectly in the crook of your arm and they're very cuddly. One day they won't fit so well on your shoulder and in your lap. That's when you really miss the ache in your arm from holding them so much.
