I’m prioritizing time with my baby right now, and that’s OK

When you become a mother, you’re automatically told how to prioritize. You’re told that quality time with your kids should come first. Then, in the same breath, you’re told that it’s OK to be selfish and that you should come first. And almost instantly after, you’re told that your spouse should be at the top of the list. Or your career. Or your dreams.

The truth is, mama, it’s up to how you want to prioritize—and there shouldn’t be any judgment around what you choose to focus on at any given moment of your motherhood journey.

As a mother, some people might not agree with me when I state this, but I’m prioritizing time with my baby right now. And I am learning that the decision to do so is mine—and that’s OK.

Related: Motherhood is holding on, and then one day letting go

People may have differing opinions. People may tell me that while being a mother is beautiful, it is nothing one should be consumed by.

But to me, this idea of being consumed by motherhood isn’t negative. It isn’t some gray cloud looming over my life. Motherhood, as hard and overwhelming as it may be at times, is everything I have ever wanted—and more.

So at this stage, I want to spend time with my baby above all else. Because I know how fleeting time is, and that these precious moments are ones we will never get back. I know that he won’t always be this small, this vulnerable, this enthusiastic about the world around him. 

I know that there will come a time when he won’t enjoy being cuddled up with me. Or where he’ll choose his friends over hanging out with his mom. I know that one day, I’ll miss these days. So right now, I’m taking advantage of his need for me. In these moments when he can’t tend to himself. In these moments where his mama is the center of his world. In these moments where he is growing and reaching milestones and learning.

In these moments, I want to be the foundation of his teaching. So time with my baby is a priority of mine—and that’s OK.

And I wouldn’t trade these moments for the world—because I’m already holding the world right here in my arms.

I used to be apologetic that I was putting my child above everything else. I chose a day in the house with him over going to an event. I chose late nights binge-watching Netflix shows while I breastfed opposed to late nights out with friends. I chose family movie nights rather than inviting company over and entertaining guests.

But never did I regret my decision. All that time spent together has allowed us to form a beautiful, unbreakable bond—one that we keep nourishing and growing with every moment spent together. And in all honesty, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world right now.

Related: Motherhood is the longest time and shortest time

Sometimes they say that becoming a mother doesn’t mean you have to let your dreams fall to the wayside. But motherhood is and has always been a dream of mine. So here I am, fully submerged in it—and it’s a beautiful thing for me.

Prioritizing time with my baby doesn’t come from not wanting anything more for myself. And it doesn’t mean that I don’t make quality time for anything or anyone else—I still spend time with my spouse. I still gather together with family and friends. I still put a lot into building my career and doing the things I love. 

But right now, more than often, the time that I spend with my baby comes above all else. Other moms may choose differently. They may choose their careers or their passions first—and that is OK. Just the same as me prioritizing time with my baby is OK. Because it’s a decision that we as mothers have made for ourselves—and we have every right to.

So here and now, I am consumed by motherhood. It is the best thing for me and my baby. And I wouldn’t trade these moments for the world—because I’m already holding the world right here in my arms.