I like parenting pressure

Pressure seems to at first have a negative, complaining connotation. But it doesn't have to. Sometimes pressure is a good thing--in the right amounts, it can push someone to be better, do better.

It is the good connotation type of pressure that I feel. And I like it. Meaning, I feel constant, unending, always there in the foreground or slightly in the background, pressure to soak in every second of parenting this little guy. I'd even venture to say pressure to enjoy. Sure, I know, someone of you will say that's unneeded, as I'm "allowed" to not enjoy every moment. But for me, I want to. I don't think I have to be and even should be smiley happy constantly, but I do think for me, I want to feel joy at all times. Both for me and for those not parenting or not parenting yet. So out of honor to them and out of pure selfishness that I will likely only have one sweet baby to parent, I feel a good kind of pressure to stay present, stay connected, stay grateful for each moment, each cry, each diaper, each snuggle, each babble. Because I have moments, cries, diapers, snuggles and babbles to enjoy. Thank God. For reasons I'll never understand. It is that pressure that (hopefully, mostly) keeps me calm and less frustrated during the crying, ecstatic when woken up by a smiling cooing little boy, and just joyful to be along for the ride during the simple common daily moments. Doesn't also work that way mind you, but the pressure is always there.