Spin-off to baby envy

Does anyone have a baby and envy people who have older kids? I do at times. My DD is almost 6 months. I love her but most of my friends had kids way before me (I had infertility). I envy some of their independence since their children are around 5 years of age and are easier to drop off at grandparents, go to school, etc. When I see someone with a younger baby than my DD, I don't get envious at all.

But maybe some day, I'll become nostalgic for these days so who knows..

Message edited 10/2/2017 5:29:28 PM.

Re: Spin-off to baby envy

"The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence"...

There are plenty of people who have toddlers who reminisce about the "good old times" when their kid wasn't running around, putting everything in their mouths, touching electrical outlets, running through busy parking lots, etc.

Then, when they are in Middle School or High School, they have to be driven to a dozen different activities, peer pressure, homework, wondering who their friends are, what they are doing at said friend's houses, etc.

As older teenagers, there's always the worry about them driving, having sex, alcohol, smoking, etc.

There are plenty of great things at every age range, just like there are plenty of negative things. I just try to enjoy them as they are, whatever age they are at at the time.

Spin-off to baby envy

Yes. I'm definitely looking forward to sleeping in, traveling, eating places that don't give out crayons.

But, I was playing with a friend's baby and bouncing him around, making him laugh, giving snuggles and said "aw, I miss having a tiny baby." DH laughed and then turned very serious and reminded me abut the lack of sleep, vomit, poop and pure fear of having a newborn. And then I snapped back to reality!

Re: Spin-off to baby envy

Re: Spin-off to baby envy

Spin-off to baby envy

i have to agree that it doesn't get easier as they get older. i find its harder to take my 6 and 3 year old places. they're not just along for the ride in the carrier.... they want to be entertained, they need things to do, they have activities i'm running them around to, they talk now so you have to watch what they're saying to other kids when you're on playdates or where ever, you worry more about them socially, my 1st graders homework is killing me this year.... HAHA i think each stage has good and bad-- so you just have to experience them where they're at right now, and not look forward or back too much

Re: Spin-off to baby envy

Oh man, I know what you mean! When my oldest DD was about a week or two old (& she was a terrible newborn), I was pushing the stroller past a local school at dismissal and I saw moms picking up their 4th or 5th graders and I was SO JEALOUS! The kids were getting into the cars by themselves. The parents were smiling, even laughing! It seemed so foreign to me. It seemed like the years would drag interminably.

That was TWELVE years ago. And it seems like yesterday. And now I wish I had that little baby back for even a day. Well, actually maybe just half a day...that wasn't such a great time period for me

Spin-off to baby envy

My son is 3 and it is an awesome age. Hes independent but not in school yet so all our free time is family time. I sometimes want another but hate the newborn phase. I now realize that passes in a blink of an eye though so I might be willing to do it again. I am definitely not looking forward to when he goes to school. I'm a teacher and have little desire to do schoolwork after doing school work all day lol!

Re: Spin-off to baby envy

Yes! Especially at places like the beach. This summer, my friends relaxed in the sun with their cocktails watching their kids splash in the waves. I, on the other hand, was running around like a sweaty psychopath chasing my 2 year old and constantly pulling shells, sand, seaweed, you name it out of my then 10 month olds mouth. I just wanted to go home! I was so jealous of them being in that sweet spot where you don't have to be so on top of them.

Spin-off to baby envy

I definitely think the grass is always greener. Right now having a newborn and a toddler at home I keep saying I never realized how easy a newborn is! My 3 year old is a handful and while I love this age it can be really challenging. DH and I keep saying we can't wait until they are like 7 and older and are way more independent, but I'm trying to cherish these baby/toddler moments now because I'm sure in 5-7 years I'll be saying how I miss the baby stage!

Re: Spin-off to baby envy