Nothing can truly prepare you for...
The moment you hold your baby for the first time and feel the enormity of parenthood placed on your shoulders
The first time your baby smiles at you and the pure joy and love that washes over you
Running on empty while taking care of a sick child who you’d gladly switch places with if it meant they no longer had to suffer
Watching your child persevere and overcome a challenge and the absolute pride you have in them
The last time you’re called Mommy and the first time you’re called Mom
When your child experiences their first heartbreak and there’s nothing you can say or do to make it all better
The constant worrying about their wellbeing that you know will never end no matter how old they are
Witnessing them make mistakes and fail and knowing you shouldn’t come to the rescue because they will learn more navigating them on their own
The day your child moves out of your home and into the world without you
The moment you no longer become the most important person in their life
The realization that parenthood is the most fulfilling, beautiful, hardest, scariest experience in the world