is the best thing that ever happened to me. Between the two of us we get 9 months paid parental leave, of which I'm taking half. I've stayed at home with my baby daughter every day for 2 months, and the bond that has developed between us is absolutely amazing. Before this she usually needed her mommy exclusively when she woke up at night or if she felt uncomfortable. Although she recognized me and accepted me, she clearly didn't feel as close to me as her mom.Now, if she wakes up at night I can pick her up, and she will hug me tightly and coo before falling back asleep. Whenever I change her diaper, I rub her tummy and she'll smile and laugh and grab my hands. Every time I bow down to play with her on the floor, her face lights up with the most wonderful smile, and now I know exactly which silly faces and sounds to make or how to dance with her to make her laugh. And if she's with mommy, sometimes she'll turn around and look for me, and when I make eye contact with her she'll bring out that amazing open-mouth smile. A couple of days ago mommy brought her to bed before I had woken up. I woke up from our little baby snuggling up to me from behind, her taking the role as the big spoon, and she stayed there until I turned around and kissed her. She is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I am so happy I've been given the chance to bond with her the way I have.I just needed to share this, but it also makes me think about my friends in the US who are not quite as lucky when it comes to social policy and welfare. The lack of proper federal paid maternal leave, let alone paternal leave, is a disgrace, and I hope that the next election cycle will bring about the political change needed to get the work-life balance and social policy back on the agenda. via /r/Parenting https://ift.tt/2Wgb6DT
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