Here’s the secret that a lot of parents don’t like to tell: while there’s definitely skill, planning, and work involved, a whole lot of parenting wins are the result of plain and simple luck.
And since it’s March, and luck is in the air, we thought we’d write up our wishes for the best parenting luck to head your way, Irish Blessing style. Because every new parent deserves all the help, and all the luck, they can get.
So without further ado:
May the coffee rise up to meet you.
May that fantastic hospital water bottle always be within reach.
May your milk be plentiful, your skin resilient, and your pain tolerance high.
May the onesies they made at your baby shower be big enough long enough to actually be worn.
May the socks you bought stay put on tiny baby feet.
May you have diapers that fit, PJs that zip, and blackout curtains that actually work.
May there be spit up rags - so many spit up rags - to catch whatever needs catching.
May your body heal, and as it does, may you revel without shame in warm baths and frozen pads and mesh undies.
May you give yourself grace, and space, and permission, and time to adjust to being a parent.
May you be as kind to yourself as you would be to someone else.
May you be surrounded by family, given or chosen, and overwhelmed with their love.
May those who visit never ring the doorbell.
May those who visit also do the laundry.
May those who visit also bring snacks.
May your boundaries be honored, your sleep be protected, and your unsolicited advice be manageable.
May the car seat install snuggly, the stroller unfold easily, and the baby wrap edges be within your reach.
May it bring you great joy to finally use all these sweet little things you’ve collected.
May your nursery be cozy and calming and warm, and your glider be comfy.
May your dresser drawers close silently and your baby wipes be always nearby.
May you become a stealth master of the don’t-wake-the-baby tiptoe exit.
May diaper blowouts always take place at home, and only when you have clean laundry to change into.
May your snuggles be plentiful, your giggles abundant, and your wonder unmatched.
May baby’s first steps and first words and first foods be celebrated, and photographed, and every bit as sweet as you imagined.
May your messes be easy to clean, your missteps easy to correct, and your love be as wide and as deep as the sea.