I missed my son’s first steps. Its the sacrifice of a working mother, providing for your family and fulfilling your personal calling, all while knowing that you might not get to witness every “first” of your baby.
And first steps – that’s a big one. At least everyone has been making it feel that way.
It’s the question we’re constantly answering: “Is he walking yet?”. We’ve been cautious to not rush the milestones, knowing he would grow quickly and that he would eventually achieve them all. The only thing we rush is trying to pay attention, watching his developments and learning unfold, not being distracted or taking him for granted. Despite all this, we missed his first steps.
Honestly, it hurts a little.
But I’m learning to be OK with this, because there are so many first and other memories that nobody gets to claim. We got to meet him first. The first time anybody ever held him was me. I was the first to feed him. I got to comfort him first, watch him roll over for the first time, see his first smiles, hear his first laughs and “Mama” and “Da-da”. We got to give him his first bath, his first car ride, and his first kisses. We got the first hugs and the first tantrum. The first day of school, the first girlfriend, the first driving lesson, the first graduation: Those are ours. He will give us the first “I love you” and our first grandchild.
In reality, I won’t be able to be there for everything. It’s just not guaranteed. Had he not walked with that caregiver, it could have been another, or with Dad, or when I wasn’t looking. While I can’t witness it all, I do promise to be there for him on the other side. I’ll kiss the boo-boo, wipe the tears, and look for monsters under the bed. I’ll counsel him through interactions with the school bully, teach him how to manage his money, and be the stable woman between every girlfriend. I’ll wait for him to call when he’s at college, and I’ll answer every call in the middle of the night when his baby has a fever or won’t stop crying.
I could be upset that I missed those first steps, but I’m choosing to be thankful that he’s developing, learning, and growing, because so many nights have I prayed to have one more day with him. I did miss the first steps, but I am much more grateful that we have a child to take steps at all.
Fruitfully,
Alyssa
Baby milestone cards here
Hi A – Yes, you do have many blessings, especially the caregiver who has Harvey’s safety as a priority and is excited about sharing good news with you, his one and only Mama! Remember, you saw all his readiness for walking: standing, balancing, moving from toy to toy, and twisting to share his toys. I remember when he first crawled to you in the kitchen and your joyful response when he came to see you. I remember that you see him taking Cheerios from the cabinet to his high chair while you get dinner ready. These are your special memories! Now that he has walked to you, you will be following him the rest of your lives. Loving your son adds friendships from important people in his life and broadens your perspective to enjoy the entire journey, one step at a time! Hi Harvey!
Thank you for the reminder and the kind memories 🙂
I thought every caregiver knows that the first “doesn’t happen” until mommy’s watching?! 🙂 good job for perspective!
It was explained to me that way, but that’s alright. 🙂 I’m glad they were so excited for him! Thank you for the comment and for visiting!
So beautiful my friend! What a lucky boy Harvey is to have you as his one-and-only mama!
All the feels. Thank you for commenting friend. <3 We're the lucky ones.
Beautiful sentiments! Beautiful Mom, Beautiful Dad, Beautiful Baby Boy! Beautiful Life, simply Beautiful!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful and kind words. <3 He helps me see the beauty in all things.