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The best stage?
Categories: Just For Moms, Development
The days following Nolan's birth are hazy, drenched with the confusing delirium and exhaustion of new parenthood. But I remember clearly sitting in his quiet, sun-filled nursery, feeding him and watching his hands make small circles on my skin. I remember thinking "Please stay like this. Couldn't you just be my tiny, O-mouthed baby forever?"
I have thought that a lot along the way: at 5 months, 8, 11, 14: This. This is it. My favourite stage.
But now that I have the wisdom of hindsight, I can honestly say that this is the best time now. Sure, there are toddler tantrums and sporadic strange behavior, but Nolan is such a little personality now. Almost everything he does borders on hilarious, and he has quirks (the shoes must be put away, sippy must be discarded in the sink, blankie must cover toes while reading The Foot Book) that make entire days entertaining. So, officially: 18 months is my favourite stage.
I'm curious whether it's different for everyone. Veteran parents, what was your favourite stage?
I have thought that a lot along the way: at 5 months, 8, 11, 14: This. This is it. My favourite stage.
But now that I have the wisdom of hindsight, I can honestly say that this is the best time now. Sure, there are toddler tantrums and sporadic strange behavior, but Nolan is such a little personality now. Almost everything he does borders on hilarious, and he has quirks (the shoes must be put away, sippy must be discarded in the sink, blankie must cover toes while reading The Foot Book) that make entire days entertaining. So, officially: 18 months is my favourite stage.
I'm curious whether it's different for everyone. Veteran parents, what was your favourite stage?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
greta 2-25-2007 @ 9:49AM
Think again, Kristin - it will keep getting better. Our daughter just turned four, and I still find myself thinking "this, now this, is the most amazing age". The wonderful things that come out of her mouth, listening to her read to me, watching her write letters to her grandparents, still experiencing things with her for the first time, like swimming on her own. I do expect that there will be an age where the challenging times exceed the joyful times, but I'm also really looking forward to the day when I can have adult conversations with her. How exciting that will be...
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Diana Keller 2-25-2007 @ 1:39PM
Now is the best age, whatever it is.
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Lea 2-26-2007 @ 11:11AM
Baby A is two and a half (will be three in June) and today's age still seems like the best one yet. The PP is right: Now is always the best age...at least, for now.
At the same time, "now" has difficulties I've never had to face before with her. I don't think it ever gets easier. But that's okay.
Have you noticed that you still will go in to check on Nolan after he's asleep and stop for a few minutes to take in his face, his sweet breathing, his stillness that's so different from daytime? And you'll wonder how you made something so perfect? That hasn't stopped for me, yet, either.
Okay, I think I need to go look in on her now...*sniff*....
- L
http://www.quickservekids.com
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Jill 2-25-2007 @ 8:55PM
Sometimes now and sometimes the stage we just ended- depends on my mood.
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Kellie 2-25-2007 @ 9:17PM
My son just turned four in January. This is THE BEST stage ever. Except I have said that so many times so far. It get's easier and it gets harder just in a different way. I swear though, age 4 is awesome. They say the funniest things!
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Tamyu 2-26-2007 @ 12:53AM
For me, I don`t think I`ve had a favorite stage. I have loved all stages of my son`s life so far...
But I have to say that as time goes by, those previous stages seem like they were so much *easier*. I don`t directly feel like it`s harder to care for my son now, but when I think back I have to laugh at myself. I thought things were hard when he couldn`t even roll over yet?!? I thought it was stressful when I could just play with him on a big blanket on the floor?!?
Maybe it`s a mechanism to make me think that having another baby wouldn`t be hard at all.
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