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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be shocked at just how fast babies grow up?

39 replies

Honestandkind · 08/12/2024 15:50

I feel like an idiot writing this but I'm genuinely a little upset at how fast my baby is growing up. One minute she's a tiny baby (less than 6lbs) and the next minute she's standing (when did that start??), top 5% in weight and height and trying very hard to talk.

I'm not upset that she's hitting her milestones - that's brilliant and wonderful to watch her develop but....it's over so fast. It really is that fast isn't it.

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 08/12/2024 16:16

I gave a "baby" a lift today. She was 15 last week!

But I know what you mean @OP
DS is in the middle of mock GCSEs and applying to sixth forms. I’m not sure what 16 years feels like, but I expected it to be longer than the time since has was a scrawny little month early baby.

TickingAlongNicely · 08/12/2024 16:15

I used to be able to carry mine around, one in each arm, until they were 5&3.

Then one at a time...

Doubt I could pick up either now. The 13yo is nearly my height, 11yo not far behind.

Christmas presents are hair straighteners, kindle, hoodies, walking boots... wheres the barbies and trains gone?

The trampoline is about dead... thats been a constant in the garden for 7 years.

But it feels like yesterday we excitedly announced the first pregnancy!

Original poster
Honestandkind · 08/12/2024 16:15

EdithGrantham · 08/12/2024 16:11

Absolutely this, my youngest DD is now 4 months and I'm pretty sure we're done having children but the thought of never again snuggling a newborn baby that is mine is really upsetting, I can see why some people have huge families just for that reason.

Show quote history

Yeah, my husband will support as many children as I like - but MN has highlighted how expensive teens can be, and how much emotional care they'll need. So I'm restricting myself to 2 or 3

OP posts:
ReignOfError · 08/12/2024 16:13

Yes. I always shudder just a little when I hear parents (or any family member) say ‘I can’t wait until s/he can do…’

Original poster
Honestandkind · 08/12/2024 16:12

steelseries · 08/12/2024 16:02

I feel the opposite! My kids are 6 and 7 now but honestly pre-children feels like a decade ago.

2 kids that close in age you're probably run off your feet! We're trying for a second so maybe I'll be in your shoes soon!

OP posts:
Cantgetausername87 · 08/12/2024 16:12

Yep! I think when you have your own child the change and rate of development is mind blowing. With other children you enjoy seeing it but it's not as sad too. They really are only a baby for the shortest of time x

EdithGrantham · 08/12/2024 16:11

Bambooshoot · 08/12/2024 16:04

YANBU! No one really mentions that you will fall in love with a newborn, adore your growing baby, toddler, child, teen . . . they will just keep growing and changing and you love them always but that you kind of grieve the baby and toddler they were, because where did they go? They were distinct personalities but you’re just supposed to manage without them now? Obviously it’s a huge privilege to have your child grow up, the alternative is unthinkable and I’m so grateful I get to see my son flourish, but I do miss his younger self, even though I utterly adore him as he is - I do cry any time I hear that ABBA song “Slipping Through My Fingers” though!

Absolutely this, my youngest DD is now 4 months and I'm pretty sure we're done having children but the thought of never again snuggling a newborn baby that is mine is really upsetting, I can see why some people have huge families just for that reason.

Original poster
Honestandkind · 08/12/2024 16:11

Bambooshoot · 08/12/2024 16:04

YANBU! No one really mentions that you will fall in love with a newborn, adore your growing baby, toddler, child, teen . . . they will just keep growing and changing and you love them always but that you kind of grieve the baby and toddler they were, because where did they go? They were distinct personalities but you’re just supposed to manage without them now? Obviously it’s a huge privilege to have your child grow up, the alternative is unthinkable and I’m so grateful I get to see my son flourish, but I do miss his younger self, even though I utterly adore him as he is - I do cry any time I hear that ABBA song “Slipping Through My Fingers” though!

You've articulated my thoughts exactly!

OP posts:
TenderChicken · 08/12/2024 16:07

Compared to animals we are really slow! Imagine if they were completely grown up by age 5.

Bambooshoot · 08/12/2024 16:04

YANBU! No one really mentions that you will fall in love with a newborn, adore your growing baby, toddler, child, teen . . . they will just keep growing and changing and you love them always but that you kind of grieve the baby and toddler they were, because where did they go? They were distinct personalities but you’re just supposed to manage without them now? Obviously it’s a huge privilege to have your child grow up, the alternative is unthinkable and I’m so grateful I get to see my son flourish, but I do miss his younger self, even though I utterly adore him as he is - I do cry any time I hear that ABBA song “Slipping Through My Fingers” though!

steelseries · 08/12/2024 16:02

I feel the opposite! My kids are 6 and 7 now but honestly pre-children feels like a decade ago.

Original poster
Honestandkind · 08/12/2024 15:59

romdowa · 08/12/2024 15:54

Yep my son is 3 and it's gone passed in the blink of an eye. I remember being really upset because he had no interest in crawling and worrying that he'd never walk and then that he'd never talk . He's now a running and talking machine.

Haha years ago I met a woman who's son was late at walking and I asked "aren't you worried?"

"Nope, never met a grown man crawling around." She quipped 😂. It's such a good reply

OP posts:
romdowa · 08/12/2024 15:54

Yep my son is 3 and it's gone passed in the blink of an eye. I remember being really upset because he had no interest in crawling and worrying that he'd never walk and then that he'd never talk . He's now a running and talking machine.

Humphreyshead · 08/12/2024 15:52

I know what you mean! My brother is about to have his 1st baby and I was reminiscing about when mine was a baby. I remember it so clearly!…. He’s 6ft 2 and 15yrs! 🙈