What Babies Aren’t

Babies aren’t pizzas.

They’re not delivered… They’re born.

Babies aren’t punches on a time card.

They don’t come “too early” or “too late.” They meet us when they’re meant to.

Babies aren’t dolls.

Their noises have meaning. They can’t be “put away.” Their bodies are worth respecting.

Babies aren’t pets.

They don’t perform tricks for us. We are their guardians, not their owners.

Babies aren’t utility bills.

They aren’t “due.” They’re anticipated.

Babies aren’t expired produce.

They aren’t spoiled. Their wants are still not separate from their needs.

Babies aren’t villains.

They aren’t “bad” or “being bad.” Babies aren’t capable of misbehavior or malice.

Babies aren’t con artists.

They aren’t manipulating you. They aren’t liars. In fact, perhaps babyhood is the most honest stage of being.

Babies aren’t leeches.

They aren’t taking everything and giving nothing in return. Maybe all your resources are gone… but have you noticed what you got in exchange?

Babies aren’t circus animals.

They aren’t to be trained or “broken” of their natures.

Babies aren’t contagious viruses.

They shouldn’t be quarantined, left isolated and alone for periods of time, to protect caregivers from needing to provide care.

Babies aren’t therapists.

Having a baby won’t fix your relationship problems or unresolved personal crises.

Babies aren’t public property.

They aren’t made for strangers to touch, fondle, kiss, pinch, tickle, or grope.

I was a baby. You were a baby.

Remember? ❤