Mothers of toddlers - what do you miss most about the early days?

Question

At the time it drove me crazy that I could hardly put her down without her crying, now I hardly ever get to hold her as she's off and running... When I see mothers with newborns I get all broody and want to hold that little warm beanbag of a baby again!! I don't really know whether I'd want to go back to those difficult days, but I wish I could've captured the smell and feel of her tiny body in the early weeks and months.

Answer 1

I missed them not being able to get into EVERYTHING!!! It's alot more stressful when they become mobile to me !!! I have a 4 yr old and a 7wk old. With the 4 yr old I couldn't wait for him to start walking, talking, being independant. He used to always say, "I wanna hold you". That NEVER happens now. He's "too cool" or too big to be held "like a baby".With the 7 wk old, I get sad when I think about him walking, talking and becoming his own little man.I guess because I am more aware of how fast it goes and how you can't get it back. I love his littIe smell, little noises,fat thighs, gummy smile.Even tho I do love the fact that they get bigger and say funny things, are able to communicate, grow up,etc. But, you are right. It is sad that they aren't your little baby for very long at all! If it helps cool your nostalgia for another baby, remember how they eat every 2 hours, wake up at 2 a.m, have growth spurts, scream for hours for no reason other that "colic" and it is such a horrible feeling to not be able to understand them or reassure them.Did I burst your bubble? LOL

Answer 2

thanks, this is just what I needed- the reality of motherhood! I'm just as guilty as the rest... 1. I don't brush their teeth like I should, and everyday I tell myself I will do better tomorrow. 2. I bribe them with gummie bears. 3. I let them have ice cream in the car even though it makes a huge mess because it keeps them quiet for a long time. 4. I start watching the clock at about 4 in the afternoon looking forward to bed time. Their sleep schedule is really about me. 5. They eat what is handy a lot because I don't want to cook. 6. I ignore them sometimes even if they cry- If they can cry it must not be too serious, right? 7. Yeah they eat off the floor- whatever. 8. I use the tv as a babysitter, if I didn't I would never get anything done, but I am very particular about what they watch. 9. I say "Mommy needs a minute" and "please be quiet" a million times a day. 10. Even though they are in the bath tub daily, I am not sure how often they are actually washed properly. A soak in soapy water does count as a bath, kind of. This was fun. To the single mom- save it. We all have trials as parents and for whatever reason have ended up where we are because of the choices we have made. No disrespect, I know being a single, working mom is hard, I have been there too, but being a good parent is hard regardless. As for having a husband to put the kids to bed- mine hasn't seen our kids awake in months. We all make sacrifices for our kids. I also hate to be compared to other moms- you know they are reading this and laughing too.

Answer 3

I feel the same way. My 4 year old starts preschool tomorrow and I'm reminiscing of the days when she was tiny and sat still.
Now in order to get a cuddle I have to beg borrow and steal.

My son is now 16 months old and he loves to cuddle. But I know it's only a short matter of time before he jumps onto my lap willingly for the last time.

I think that's what keeps us coming back for more kids. I hope I don't end up with 12 kids just because I miss the new baby smell.
:)

Answer 4

I know exactly where you are coming from!! I feel the same way! I miss just being able to cradle my daughter in my arms, and watch her smile while she is sleeping! Now she is way too big to do that with. I thoroughly enjoy the times she does jump up on my lap and hugs & cuddles me, but those times are getting few and far between. I think the thing that I miss the most is (as bad as it sounds) doing everything for her, just being her #1 provider of everything. Now she is older and is doing things for herself. The worst part is she is already starting to get at the age where she doesn't want the slightest bit of help at all, and yells at me when I try to help her! On the bright side though, I love not having to make those bottles every few hours!!

Answer 5

You are so right!!! It really is a wonderful thing. I miss it so much we are now trying for our second baby. I already have a 17 month old daughter who sounds alot like yours.

Having someone depend on you completely is a very hard and difficult thing but when they become independent it is hard to let go a little.

I am so looking forward to doing it again. All the hard work is worth it when they grow up into little people in their own right.

Answer 6

My daughter is only 11 months and I miss the days where she didn't feel good and she would just lay on me all day! Although she is a big mommy's girl, and has seperation anxiety [[She has had that since she was 2 months old.]]
But really right know, I am happy the way thinks have turned out I have a 11 month old that is going on 20. Lol Very independent.

Answer 7

i miss those days... i have an almost 3 yrold and a 1 yrold i hav the 1 year old coz i missed my 3 yrold being a baby, but it really was the best thing i did... atm i want another 1 but i no its coz i want a lil bubs so im tryin my best not to let it get the best of me lol... i miss the smell, the need that every mother has when there babys are lil

Answer 8

yes, i love new borns they are so beautiful and it really is a time to cherish, its like all those years of playing with dolls as a kid come together when you go home with your little bundle of joy and cuddles all day long. I have a toddler and miss that time but I love the conversation and antics that come with having a toddler and I'm pregnant again now and will relish once more in that little bub stage!lol

Answer 9

it's a toss up! I remember when he was a month or 2 old and would just lay and sleep. not move, just sit there and looking at him and saying "you're boring (jokenly) I can't wait til you can move around!" he's now running all over the place and getting into EVERYTHING!
But I do miss holding a teeny tiny thing!

But most of all, I miss when he would lay on my chest and take a nap with me!!

Answer 10

what i miss most is feeding her, and rocking her to sleep. shes too big now to rock to sleep, they grow so fast. :( oh well its life, wont miss it too long have another one on the way.

also i miss the day when you pray they start walking, but they dont move around much, as they grow, you wish thwey had waited since now they are all over the place and make your day ratehr confuseing. used to be such an angel staying in one place and makeing no mess. now one hour after i clean, looks like nothings been done for a week in the house.