7 Things About a Baby Only a Parent Can Appreciate

I'm extraordinary in the smallest ways you can't even begin to fathom (unless you're a mom, that is) ... Unless you were born without a soul, the sight of a baby, any baby, smiling is enough to warm the cockles of your heart. And let's not forget the mighty power of a baby's laugh. No matter what cold, dark mood I may be in, the sound of a baby laughing at something as simple as paper being ripped is enough to make me believe in the beauty of the world again.

But sometimes it's what babies don't do that moms most appreciate. Read on for the 7 things about babies only parents can appreciate . . .






She didn't wake up during the movie
1. She didn't wake up during the movie
Yes, I realize she appeared to be in a sleep so deep that nothing short of the end of days could stir her. However, in the past she has slept through rock concerts only to be woken up at other times by a fart in an otherwise silent hemisphere. So you never know. But I do. And it was a-mazing.

Related: 12 ways parenting a baby is like hosting a frat party


She didn't crap in the tub
2. She didn't crap in the tub
You're thinking that's probably status quo, right? I mean, otherwise it's akin to bathing in a toilet. Well, it's not and, you're right, it is. So, please, take my word for it - my daughter not taking a dump while being lathered up was brilliant.


She didn't spit up on you
3. She didn't spit up on you
What can I say? You totally lucked out. Unless, of course, you would have enjoyed wearing my regurgitated breast milk on your lovely black cashmere sweater for the rest of the day. Like the unpredictability of a volcano, so, too, is the spit up of my baby.

Related: 7 things you should NEVER say to the mom of a newborn


She didn't wail on the airplane
4. She didn't wail on the airplane
I'd like to take credit for the fact that she wasn't hysterical during takeoff, landing, or anytime in between. But really, instead I'll give Benadryl a standing ovation. And you should, too.


Her diaper explosion didn't leak through her pants while she was sitting on your couch
5. Her diaper explosion didn't leak through her pants while she was sitting on your couch
There's not much more to it, other than: You're welcome.

Related: 12 silly ways life changes after kids


She didn't have a nuclear meltdown when you picked her up
6. She didn't have a nuclear meltdown when you picked her up
Yes, I know she was smiling before you picked her up. But what you don't realize is often the difference between a smile and her bursting into tears can often be simply: No special reason + .0004 seconds.


She's asleep
7. She's asleep
We all do it, right? It sounds so simple: sleep. However, I'd argue most do it more than she does. And when she does it in stretches longer than, say, 20 minutes, it's as if the clouds have risen and the angels are singing. Feel free to join in the sing-a-long (but, you know, quietly).

- By Meredith Carroll

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