This article was originally published on ParentMood
"We're Pregnant!"
For so many couples, it is a dream to get pregnant and start a family. After trying for a while, Yehuda and Maya finally got a positive result and couldn't have been happier. It is a celebratory moment because they are so excited to begin this new chapter of life.
They have talked about starting a family for so long, and their plans are finally coming to life. This is one of the most amazing moments in their relationship, and it is something a couple will never forget.
It's Go Time
It's finally time to go to the hospital, but you might want to only bring the essentials instead of everything in the house. Instead of bringing everything you own, it is best to prepare a bag for the hospital, so you aren't running around when its go time.
After the long nine months, it is finally time to meet their baby. Although they look panicked, they are just over the moon about bringing home their new baby. This is a milestone moment in many people's lives, and it is a joyous and scary time.
Welcoming The Sweetest Angel
When you can't get enough of your newborn baby, and you want to stare at her all day long. Everything she does is adorable, even her drool and dirty diapers. They can't believe that they created such an adorable baby girl. Most people would enjoy her sleeping moments while they last.
There are so many exciting moments when you bring your baby home, and everything they do is something to document. Even though she might have a smelly diaper, they can't get over how sweet she looks. They might not think the baby is so cute when they go to change that diaper.
Exhaustion Is An Understatement
"She never stops crying!!!" Once the baby is up, it is hard to put her back to sleep. It seems like she never stops crying. There are many exciting moments, but the sleepless nights are not something that you can prepare for. It might be time to get some caffeine and prepare for another long sleepless night.
Some people who are not parents might ask you why you are exhausted all the time because babies are supposed to sleep a lot, but they don't understand.
"It's About To Blow!"
When it comes to changing dirty diapers, some people are more dramatic than others. He decided to take one for the team to clean up this mess. How can such a tiny person make such a giant mess, it is mind-boggling. Even baby hulk is afraid.
At first, changing diapers is like going to battle, but once you get the hang of it, it is a piece of cake. At first, those diapers can burn the inside of your nose, but eventually, you get used to the smell or figure out that vapor rub blocks your nose from bad odors.
If One Person Feels Pain, We Are All In Pain
New baby teeth are like razors. When they are starting to get teeth and still breastfeeding, things can get painful very quickly. Good thing she has her husband's hair to grab onto to share the pain with him. If she has to feel pain, so does he because they are a team and in this journey together.
It is always when you least expect it that your child starts using their teeth to chomp down on one of your most sensitive parts. Obviously, they don't know any better, but that doesn't mean it hurts any less.
Caught Up In Feelings Of Doubt
Nobody comes totally prepared with how to raise a child, it's something you learn as you go along and, just like with everything else, you're bound to make mistakes. It's those moments, laying in bed with your partner when your mind starts to race and that self-doubt starts creeping in.
We can all totally relate to this photo even if we don't have children. We're all worried about something and every now and then we all start to get filled with doubts at our ability to perform a certain task. It's moments like these that we need our loved ones the most, to give us the support needed to succeed.
New Baby, New Bodies
After having children and changing lifestyles, you should embrace the changes that your bodies go through. You love your partner no matter what changes their body goes through because change can be good.
Although it can be hard to accept that your body looks different, you have to remember that you brought a beautiful child into the world. It's ok to gain weight, and it is ok to lose weight. You are not alive just to pay bills and lose weight; You are beautiful no matter what.
Bath Time Is A Family Affair
Giving a bath to a baby is a whole different and wet war. It seems like eventually, both parents get their shower as well. She has a lot more power and strength than people would think. When she doesn't want a bath, she will make it impossible to give her one.
Some parents might say they don't have time to shower because they are always watching the baby. However, it seems like whenever she has bath time, everyone who is involved gets just as soapy as she does. Might as well kill two birds with one stone.
Nap Time For Everyone
After many sleepless nights, the baby finally calms down and takes a nap. This is the perfect time for you and your partner to get some rest as well. Who knows when you will be able to sleep for more than an hour again? You might as well enjoy it while it lasts.
The baby took a much-needed break from crying to have a meal, and while she drifted into a milk induced sleep, her parents drifted off as well. Even though it is not the most comfortable position to sleep in, you must be too tired to care.
Tiny Yet Mighty
Sometimes babies show their affection through drooling and scratching, and it might be painful, but she loves you. Maya looks like a lion has attacked her, but it is just a powerful baby. Yehuda is so proud of his little girl.
Babies have the sharpest little fingernails, and their scratches feel like the claws of a bear. Who knew such a small human could pack such a powerful punch. Besides their sharp nails and flailing limbs, babies also enjoy teething on your face and pulling hair.
One Shot And Many Tears Shed
It is hard to see your child get a shot for the first time, but they only cry more because they see their parents crying. We aren’t quite sure who cried more in this situation. The nurse said it would be a small pinch, but they didn’t hear her mention a broken hand.
There is something about seeing your child get their first shot, which makes you extra emotional. While you know from experience that she will never remember this, and it is only just a small pinch, you still can't bear to watch.
The First Time Away
Leaving the baby with relatives for the first time can be very difficult. It is the first time you are going to be separated from your child since they were born, and it is emotional. Nothing will happen to the baby, they will be just fine, but there is still a feeling of longing to be with them and protect them.
Although you might be headed for a sweet getaway, you still want to see your baby every day and make sure they are ok. What if they forgot about you after a day? What if your baby misses you? These are all questions that might run through your mind, but remember your baby is doing just fine.
Picture Perfect Timing
Everyone loves how cute babies are until they spit-up all over you. Luckily, Maya was there to capture this perfect moment. We just hope he had his mouth closed. Even though she spit-up on him, it is hard to be mad at that adorable face.
Unfortunately, it is not always rainbows and unicorns when you have a baby, so there are going to be days filled with spit-up and dirty diapers. You are lucky if you make it through a day without a stained article of clothing. Luckily, you have no time to do all the laundry that is piling up.
Sit And Stay!
When you have a small child that you need to watch, but you also have to go to the bathroom desperately. There is only one thing to do in this situation, and that is to treat your baby like a dog by telling her to stay.
You might think they are sitting right outside the door, but they are actually breaking havoc on your home. You might have only been in the bathroom for a minute, but they managed to grab the finger paint and turn the walls into their personal art studio.
All Hands On Deck
Babies are all kinds of squirmy when you have to put clothes on them. They might be tiny humans, but their bodies possess an explosive power that you wouldn't believe existed. You never know what will happen when you have to dress your baby.
Who knew how much power those tiny feet had. They needed two sets of hands to get her squirmy little feet in the socks. Babies love to flail around when you are trying to get them ready for the day, as if they know you are in a hurry.
"We Didn't Forget Anything At Home, Right?"
Parenthood is such a beautiful blessing. It’s even better when you have to leave the house with a million things “just in case”, and end up not using any of it. Although, when you pack light, you end up needing something that you thought was non-essential.
After a while, you realize what you need and don't need, but the first outing is always the scariest. Will the baby suddenly need a winter coat in the middle of summer? You don't know, but you probably packed on just in case an ice storm blows through.
Paparazzi Parents
Did you get that on video? Did you see the 400 pictures I took of the baby sleeping earlier? When you have a child, you want to capture all of their milestone moments, which means you always have to have a camera ready. These memories will be ones you will look back on throughout their life.
While your child might start to think that a smartphone is part of your body, you don't want to miss anything special. You can capture their first laugh, first steps, and their first words to remember forever. When they grow up, you can show them how silly they were as a child.
Everyone Always Needs Something
After a long day of chasing the baby around the apartment, changing diapers, and getting food thrown at you, it is time for a shower and some relaxation. Just when you are winding down for the day, it seems like everyone wants a piece of you.
All-day, you have been dreaming about the relaxing hot shower you were going to take, and then your husband gives you his "sexy look." You don't feel cute, but it is endearing that after a long day, he finds you the most attractive.
Who Knew Hands Could Be So Entertaining
Shadow puppets can be fun for the whole family if you really work with your imagination. All you need is a flashlight, a dark room, and your hands to created magical fun while your child is young enough to be impressed. This dazzling show will entertain them for a few minutes, at least.
Not only is this a creative way to entertain your toddler, but it is another way to bond with your family. Try looking up different ways to contort your hands, just make sure not to get a cramp. Look, even baby hulk and her unicorn friend are impressed.
"Does She Smell?"
When you are trying to eat your lunch, and your wife decides it is the perfect time for you to smell if the baby has a dirty diaper. Not only does the smell make your nostrils burn, but you can also never eat spaghetti again.
Although you two have become extremely comfortable with each other throughout your relationship, this crosses the line. Who would want to smell a dirty diaper while they are in the middle of eating? That will make anyone sick to their stomach.
"She Said Mama!"
"OH. MY. G-D, Did you hear her say, Mama?! This is the best day of my life. She knows my name." When your child finally says "mama," it is the greatest feeling in the world. Grab the tissues to soak up all those happy tears because you won't be able to get over this feeling of pure joy.
It is even more heartwarming when your child says mama before dada. It is like winning a silent competition between you and your partner. Your toddler might not understand why you are so happy, but it will only encourage them to say mama more often.
When All The Housework Is Finally Finished
When you finally put the baby to sleep and get some time to relax, just the two of you; it can quickly turn into your own time to sleep. You don't care where you fall asleep because it is the first time you get to go to sleep at a reasonable hour.
Although there is so much tidying left to do, you don't care because the house will just get messy again tomorrow. All you can really think about is your bed and pillow until your child decides to wake you up in the middle of the night.
"Oh Hair No!!"
Just as your wife is walking around shedding hair like it is no problem, you are discovering a bald patch. It is like sirens are going off in your head that you are getting older, and questions are racing around your mind. How long do you have before it gets bigger? Do you need hair plugs?
Not to worry, just brush your hair in a different way to hide the patch. You can even use all the hair your wife sheds to create a mini toupee to cover up the spot. While it might seem like your world is crumbling around you, it is just one of the small problems that comes with age.
EveryBody Is Beautiful
After having a baby, our bodies go through changes. Many people feel insecure about their post-baby bodies, but they forget that they just created human life. Your body was capable of creating another human, so why should women feel ashamed of the changes that happen during pregnancy?
Although some people might feel insecure, it is crucial to remember that no matter what, your husband thinks you are perfect, and your child would not be here without the help of your powerful body.
Everyone's Getting Comfortable
Sleeping with a baby in bed is like sleeping with a drunken octopus. Their legs and arms are flying all over the place, and you might just get kicked in the face. It is a fun way to be woken up. That little body can take up so much space, and you lose your spot on the bed.
Although you are being kicked out of bed by a 35-pound human, you can't help but give up and sleep on the couch, so you don't disturb them. Sometimes moving is worth letting them get a few extra hours of sleep rather than waking the baby up to put her back in the crib.
Stuck Inside
Just when they were getting in the hang of parenting, a global pandemic strikes, and they got locked in their apartment for two months. How do you keep your toddler active and get housework done without leaving the confines of your apartment?
No matter how much you may love your child, you can always use a break from them each day. When you are stuck inside, you have to think of exciting things to keep them active.
Sweet Dreams
After a long day of taking care of your toddler, most people are daydreaming about their beds. Sometimes, you are so exhausted that you don't even make it to the bed before you fall asleep. At some point, the exhaustion becomes too much, and you start sleeping while standing up.
Her husband is waiting for the perfect moment to scoop his wife up and carry her to bed because she deserves a good night's sleep. The big question is how he can get the baby off of his wife, so he doesn't wake her up too.
Protect The Baby At All Costs!
All for one and one for all! Protect the baby from the bugs at all costs because bugs are scary and gross. Her parents are warriors who fight bugs off while making sure the baby is still asleep. Those are the real heroes of society.
No one ever wants their baby to have bug bites or be uncomfortable, so you protect them however possible. Mosquitos are the number one enemy, even for adults, and they must be destroyed.
Family Cuddles
Family cuddle time is the best time when everyone is comfortable. No one is getting kicked in the head, and no one is being pushed off the bed; everyone is peaceful. Even the stuff animals are getting some shut-eye with the family.
These are the moments people pinch themselves because life seems so perfect. You can forget about everything else around you and focus on how comfortable and snuggly you feel.
Summertime Fun
When you finally get to go on your first vacation as a family, and soon realize your child enjoys peeing in the pool more than any other place. At first, you blame it on one of the other swimmers or your partner, but the real culprit is the one who is not potty trained.
At least you have someone to blame from now on, and you can stop worrying about the embarrassment of peeing in the pool. As long as it is chlorinated, who cares? Just don't try to blame it on your wife.
"What Is This Type Of Magic?"
As soon as your child discovers their love for television, it is like they are mesmerized. They could be entertained for hours, but that is not exactly healthy for a developing brain. It is a good distraction for a few times a day, but don't let them get addicted.
Toddlers can sit in front of the TV for days without knowing what is happening around them because it is like a magical machine. It is moving colors, lights, and talking animals. Who wouldn't be hypnotized by all those things?
Time To Baby-Proof The House
"Oh, no! She's walking, remove everything from the floor, tables, and cabinets. We need all the baby-proofing supplies." As soon as your child starts walking, it is time to lock everything up. Anything that they can eat, chew on, or get hurt with needs to be placed out of reach.
While you are filled with excitement about this significant milestone, you also have this feeling that they are growing up too fast and can get hurt. Also, you have to remember that the baby needs to be watched even more now that she can walk around the house.
Baby's First Birthday!
When your first child turns one, it is a time to celebrate. It is the first of many birthday parties, and you want it to be as special as possible, which means you want to spoil them for an entire day. Although they won't remember, you can shower them in hundreds of gifts to celebrate this milestone.
Your baby might be more interested in the boxes and string that come with the presents, but it doesn't matter as long as they are happy. You could probably give your one-year-old an old shoe, and they would be just as satisfied as they were with a barbie doll.
A Masterpiece In The Making
When your husband does your daughter's hair for the first time, and it is a series of tiny ponytails, but they are so proud of their work. You don't want to ruin all the work they have done, so you leave the ten different ponytails in for the day.
Eventually, they will figure out how to make it look better, but it might take a few weeks of practice. You have to give your husband credit for at least trying considering they have never done this to their own hair.
"Take Cover!"
Feeding a baby is like having a food fight with an uncovered blender. The food gets everywhere, and even in places, you didn't know food could reach. Put the food out and take cover because it is about to get very messy. Get your mop ready because the food is about to go all over the walls and ceiling.
It's every man for themself because the baby is like a spewing volcano of food. There is nowhere to hide, especially when you give them something messy like spaghetti and tomato sauce. For the first few years of life, it might be smart not to wear anything white.
"Do We Have To Leave Her Here?"
The first day of daycare is always the hardest, but she now gets to socialize with other babies. It is only for a few hours a day, but it feels like a lifetime when you first drop them off. Once you leave, your baby will stop crying, and they will have fun once they adjust.
It is not like you are leaving your baby forever; it is only for a few hours so that you can work and get some much-needed rest. Don't worry; if you are ever concerned, you just have to remember that baby hulk is in daycare to watch over the baby.
Kisses For Everyone
No matter how much drool you are covered in, there is always time for kisses. Everyone is in on the family hug, and it is the best feeling. Even while your baby is using your chin as a teething toy, you can sneak in an extra kiss.
Those special moments as a new family are ones that you will treasure forever. Also, anytime you can sneak in an extra hug or a kiss is a win considering how you spend most of the day covered in things that come out of your baby.
How To Get Work Done When You Have A Baby
Some toys are for children, and others are for grown-ups. She has her blocks and stuffed animals, and he has his hulk and laptop. While he can get some work done, she is getting some extra playtime with her mom. It is a rare moment when everyone is a winner.
It might be hard to find free time to do the things that have been on your list for a while, but there are rare moments. Take advantage of the calm to be productive so you won't be stressed when your "to-do" list gets too long.
Black Friday Is A Big Deal
Black Friday is the best and worst shopping day of the year. There are great deals, but it is on stuff you might not need. Yes, that vase may be limited edition, but why do you need it in your house.
The low prices may blind your judgment, but it doesn't mean you should buy everything in sight. It is a good thing to buy large items that you have been needing because those are items have the best deals.
The Work's Not Over Even After The Baby Goes To Sleep
Finally, the chores have all been done, the baby has been put to bed, and now there's nothing left to do but sit on the couch and enjoy a few quiet and peaceful moments before finally heading to bed. Unfortunately, that peace may be put to the test when one partner is dead tired, and the other is still bursting with energy.
Out of all the places she can sit, she decided to sit on his lap because it is the most comfortable seat in the house. No matter how much space is left on the couch for her to sprawl out, she will always pick this spot, and we don't blame her.
They're The Real Deal
Raising a family is hard, there's no doubt about that. But at the end of the day, it's still one of the most rewarding things that we will ever do with our lives. In spite of it all, the ups and downs, there are few people who would ever change a thing.
That doesn't mean we can't complain about it though - it's so stressful after all! We all need that outlet when the going gets tough and thankfully Yehuda and Maya chose to draw pictures of life raising a child that we can all relate to.