It’s been six weeks since my son was born. He’s gained more than 50% of his birth weight and has grown an inch in length. He’s beginning to outgrow some of his smallest clothes, and while I love watching him develop, I feel just a little sad packing away those tiny newborn-sized sleepers. He’s smiling more, which brings me so much joy, and I love it when we gaze at each other while I’m feeding him. He’s started to grasp things other than fingers, including occasionally my hair. He loves spending time on his tummy, especially on our chests, though he usually falls asleep during tummy time. He can lift his head and turn it from side to side (he’s been doing that for weeks now), and he can raise himself up on his forearms. I’m guessing it won’t be long until he starts crawling. He has my nose, cheeks, and ears; his dad’s eyes and smile; and both of our dimples.

His formerly skinny limbs and fingers have plumped up, and he now has an adorable double chin and chubby wrists and thighs. After some initial struggles, he’s finally getting the hang of breastfeeding, though we have only been trying it a couple of times a day. I’m hoping to nurse him more over the next few weeks before I go back to work. Although

his nursing sessions can take a long time and it’s often more convenient to pump and bottle feed, I enjoy the sweet, quiet moments spent staring down at him while he feeds.

Sleeping in 2-3 hour intervals wears on me sometimes, but overall, I’m surprised at how well I’m functioning on this erratic sleep schedule. I have been able to take a nap most days, thanks to the help of family members. My mom was here two weeks before the birth and a little more than a week after, and my mother-in-law is now staying with us for almost a month. I’m lucky that I can take an eight-week maternity leave, and my husband works from home running his own business, which gives him great flexibility and allows him to tend to the baby as well. We are able to share parenting responsibilities and give each other breaks, and we have both really bonded with our son because we’ve had the opportunity to spend so much time with him. I wish every parent had the same opportunity.

I think becoming a parent has made me a kinder, more generous person. I felt it a bit when I was pregnant, and I feel it more now. Parenthood provides a sense of connection to other parents, a sharing of common joys and challenges. I am so fortunate to have adequate resources to care for my baby. I have great sympathy for parents whose limited funds and support networks make that difficult. Our friends and family have been incredibly generous, showering us with gifts, handing down clothes, and lending us baby gear. I hope to do the same for other expectant parents.

A few years ago, when I was thinking about having a child, I wondered if it was the right decision. I thought about how hard it would be to travel, get enough sleep, pursue big career opportunities, and maintain hobbies. I questioned whether I was too selfish to be a good mother. I’m still in the very early days of parenthood, but I know I will never regret this choice. Yes, my life is different now, and it will continue to change as D grows up. But being his mom has already opened my heart so much, and I know he will give me lessons and experiences I’d never have otherwise. I can’t wait to see the person he becomes and to help him along the way as he learns and grows.