Mommy Panel: Falling in Love

In honor of Valentine’s Day, my amazing panel of mommies is talking about LOVE!

We’re told that nothing is stronger than a mother’s love, and while I totally believe that to be true, the timing and strength of that love is unique to each mama. So I want to know…

Was it love at first sight?
Or did your love for your little one grow over time?

“I loved Zoey from the moment I found out I was pregnant. But I fell head over heels, she stole my heart in love when I first saw her.”

“With my first I was madly in love immediately. From the first moment I saw her… Truly from the moment I saw those two pink lines! But with my second, it definitely took time for that feeling to develop. I think about four weeks went by. Then once day he started laughing and my heart melted.”

“Because Felicity wasn’t planned, I was afraid I’d resent whomever I was carrying (we chose not to find out the sex). When she arrived though, I knew I loved her. The love grew over the first few days and I’d say within about a week or two I was head of heals in love and wondered how I could have ever felt like I did while pregnant. I had a warming up period during the first few weeks while we got to know one another. I never imagined my life could feel so complete. I didn’t know what I was missing until Felicity came into the world! “

 “I fell in love with Calvin as soon as I found out he was a boy in that ultrasound room. With Archer, I was glad he was coming, but when I found out he was a boy, I was so surprised, I didn’t know how to feel for a bit. When he came roaring into our lives early and fast and feet first…oh man, that was it for me. Absolutely in love. I can totally identify with not being in love at first sight (newborns are kinda scary), but it did happen for me. Twice!”

“With Ellie, I loved her from the minute I suspected I was pregnant. With Thea, I felt maternal protectiveness and affection while I was pregnant with her, but I don’t think I fell in love until the minute she was born and we “met.” Sleep deprivation and chasing after a toddler definitely cut down on my time for introspection, and I think I was always a little worried that I would miscarry again. She’s here now though, and I’m head over heels for her!”

“Charlotte was the product of IVF after a long and painful road. We had been given a picture of her egg, then it being fertilized, and then a picture of “her” just before transfer back. During surgery the doctor said “watch the US screen because that’s your child being placed” and that was it. I was in love.”

I of course loved the baby growing inside of me, but once Maddy was born and I held her and heard her sweet little cry, I was completely in love. I thought…. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for my whole life! Even though I was completely exhausted, I couldn’t sleep all day. I couldn’t believe that I was finally a mommy! Euphoria.

Now it’s my turn! I didn’t fall in love with Adelaide, my first baby, until about four weeks after she was born.

I blame it on several factors—she was two weeks early (I wasn’t ready!), and I had an unexpected C-section (I did NOT prepare for that type of healing) and most of all, I didn’t have any idea what to expect from a newborn (are you sensing a theme?).

Right after she was born, I remember feeling wonder, amazement, fiercely protective and responsible for this new little life. But love?

I dealt with some baby blues for a few weeks (but not full blown post-partum depression), and maybe that had something to do with it…post-partum hormones are such a roller coaster!! Luckily, though, as the weeks wore on, and I got to know this tiny new person in my life, one day I just felt it. A warm glow from deep in my soul. I held my sweet babby and whispered, “I love you,” and for the first time, really, truly meant it.

With my second baby, it was love at first sight. I didn’t think much about her during my pregnancy—taking care of a toddler will have that effect! But from the minute my labor started I was ridiculously excited to meet our new little girl. I’ll always remember the moment I pulled her up onto my chest and she looked up at me with those big eyes…that was it, I was in love!

These ladies are amazing!! I absolutely love their willingness to put themselves out there and share their experiences.

What about you? I’d love to know when you fell in love with your little one. Leave a comment and let me know!