Tish’s first real smile today. Not a gas-induced one—a genuine, gummy, crinkle-eyed smile that she saved for me after I finally managed to get her to nap without a meltdown. For a moment, it felt like my entire five-step plan evaporated. Every all-nighter, every judgmental stare, every formula stain… all of it was worth it. I didn’t plan for this feeling. I didn’t even know it existed. It’s terrifying and perfect and mine.

(And yes, before anyone asks, I immediately documented it in her baby book under ‘milestones,’ because some habits are impossible to break.)