Saying Goodbye to The Baby Stage

It’s crazy to think I’m writing a blog post about the closing of the baby stage in the Serbinski house, considering I started this blog when I only had a 6 month old at home. If you’ve been with Mom to Mom Nutrition from the start, you might remember my first Motherhood posts included newborn sleep schedules [or lack thereof], juggling a toddler and a newborn, teething survival tips, and of course, first birthday parties. Fast forward six years and here we are: a kindergartner, two preschoolers, and a toddler at home. No. More. Babies.

In all honesty, Michael’s first year of life is one I never want to relive. That’s a HUGE reason as to why I don’t want to go back to the baby stage of life. My recovery journey pretty much started right after he was born, and I unfortunately missed out on a lot of his “firsts.” That’s not saying adding another baby to our crew would send me over the edge, or that adding Michael to our family did just that, I’m just saying there’s this innate feeling in my body that’s pretty much jumped out and yelled in my face saying, “YOU ARE DONE HAVING BABIES!” My body, brain, and heart are telling me my baby time has passed, and I am at peace with that. I’m beyond grateful I birthed four beautiful babies into this world. But guys, I’m beyond grateful to move to the next stage of motherhood: toddler, preschool, and school-aged kids. I guess I’ll be in a few stages of motherhood until everyone is school-aged.  

Am I sad? Not really. I have friends pregnant, friends having babies, friends posting monthly photos of their babies, and guess what? I’m genuinely happy for them. And I’m not feeling the baby bug. I DID feel that bug when before having Joey, Anthony, Lily and Michael, so I’m taking this as a big sign we are done having babies.

While saying goodbye to the baby stage means no more newborn smells, breastfeeding or bottle feeding, maternity jeans, or first birthday party themes [among other things], it does mean a few other positives in my book:

• We are well on our way to having a house no diapers [pull-ups at night? Now that’s another topic of discussion]
• Everyone is pretty much eating the same thing [that’s assuming everyone sits down and eats dinner- Michael loves to eat on the run]

• We aren’t stuck in the house based on the baby’s nap schedule [here are my thoughts on schedule vs. routine– I’m not the best at going with the flow, or baby’s naps!]
• PERSONALITY! While baby cuddles and coos are cute, toddlers start showing their true colors, aka personality, and I just LOVE seeing their growth and development in this area
• Whoever came up with the saying, “sleeps like a baby,” probably never had a baby.

Ok baby mommas, here’s the deal: you’re in the thick of one of the most physical stages of motherhood there is. Little sleep. Little time for self-care. Little time for YOU, the momma. If I can support you in any way, reply back to this email, send me a message on Instagram, or if you have my digits please send me a text message. I’ve been there, done that, and I want to help.

If you’re in my shoes and on to the next stage of motherhood, how did you handle the transition? Are you embracing the transition like I am?