We’re so used to hearing that when a baby comes, everything changes. Your routines, your dreams, your friendships, your cafe hopping… all replaced by nap schedules and diaper bags.
But what if the life didn’t have to be so black and white?
Yes, having a baby is life-changing. It certainly was for us! But it doesn’t mean you need to give up the life you loved before. What really started to make me think this way was when Jeremy and I wanted to celebrate our anniversary. I was pretty hesitant to go out because it’ll be late, our son will get cranky, etc etc the list will go on. And he said:
Its okay, we’ll just have to get used to it. Plus he’ll need to learn that his life revolves around us not the other way around.
The Shift in Mindset
From then on we’ve gone to Immersify KL, picnics, lunches, wedding dinners, the beach and so much more! We’ve also realized that babies are far more adaptable than we think. Whether it’s hiking up a trail, slow brunches with friends, or late wedding dinners that stretch past bedtime these things can still be a part of our life (and yours). Not perfectly. Not always easily. But they don’t have to disappear.
Like anything, it takes practice. Babies learn by experiencing. So when they grow up knowing that sometimes dinners happen outdoors, or naps happen in the carrier while Mum’s catching up with friends (or even in your arms) those rhythms become normal.
Sure, not every outing is smooth. Yes, there are moments when the crying happens at the wrong time, the meltdown hits mid-meal, or the juggle gets really real. But even on those days, we remind ourselves:
What’s the worst that can happen?
You pack up and leave. You try again next time.But what’s the best that can happen?
You make a memory.
So here’s to the walks, the beach trips, the dinner parties, and the tiny adventures. To babies who nap in strollers while life carries on. To showing our little ones a life that’s full of joy, people, and the passions we still love.
You don’t have to shrink your world to raise a baby.
You’re allowed to bring them into it.
