At least I didn't look like the picture above!(BTW, this is NOT a political blog, by any means! This photo just made me laugh.)
The baby in question is neighbor's two month year old son. Standing their in my neighbor's driveway, with this precious little creature in my arms filled me with both longing and abject terror. Yes, dear readers, babies terrify me.
What am I supposed to do with them? Okay, I know how to hold them (support the head). But then what?
Let me explain: I'm an only child. My cousins lived far away. Most of my close friends are single women or married couples without children. I am rarely around children, let alone babies.
I feel so lame.
I really want to be a mom. Yet I have zero practice/prep/experience with babies.
Will I be a terrible mother? Deep down I know I will be a good mom, love and care for that child. Mr. Jem will be an amazing dad.
Knowing this doesn't change the terror and feeling of total incompetence. And did I mention longing?
Jem
7 comments:
I've heard you catch on pretty fast.....that is a funny picture.
That picture is hysterical!
I'm an only child too - and don't have a ton of 'baby experience' so a lot of your thoughts and fears have definitely been in my own thoughts too.
I think the feelings of terror and incompetence are totally normal - and felt by many!
I can definitely relate to the longing too...
Thanks for this post.
I am sure you will be a great mum! No one has a clue at first how to parent no matter how many kids they hang around, but the human race is pretty good at learning!
Hi Jem, thanks for you comment on my blog, unfortunately I cannot post a link as it woudl be not accessible from aoutside a university, but if you email me at fran.ontheblog@gmail.com I'll be very happy to email you back the pdf paper! Love, Fran
I remember being "thrown out" of the hospital after my 36 hours (all that my insurance allowed) in hysterics. I couldn't change a diaper and I knew nothing about babies. Soon you are doing it all in your sleep.
It's all about on-the-job training!
I think the town I live in has the highest number of multiples in the country so we know a bunch of families of twins and triplets. Parents manage - even parents of triplets. You will too.
But first things first... let's get you pregnant! :-)
Poppet,
You offering to help get me knocked up? LOL!! We have plenty of medical staff helping, why not one more!!
Thanks for the encouraging words.
Jem
OMG, it's early in the morning and I really shouldn't be laughing this hard. That picture is absurd. You'd be a good mom, let me assure you. Anyone with THAT sense of humor is a good mom.
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