When it was just my husband and me, life felt much simpler in many ways. We had the freedom to travel across Europe without any major concerns. A spontaneous trip was just a decision away. We’d decide on a destination, pack our bags, and head off to explore. Whether we were dining in cozy restaurants, strolling through historic streets, or just enjoying the quiet of a foreign city, life was full of effortless adventures. It was easy to go wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted, with no schedules to keep or worries about anyone else.
I always dreamed of visiting as many big cities and countries as I could before having a child. There was something appealing about the idea of enjoying these experiences with just my husband—just the two of us. We could be carefree, make last-minute plans, and savor every moment together without having to think about anyone else. But when our daughter finally arrived, it changed everything. It was, of course, a blessing—a joy beyond anything we could have imagined. But I couldn’t help but feel a sense of regret for not having had her sooner. I thought about all the adventures we could have shared with her by now, all the memories we could have made together, exploring the world as a family from the very beginning.
I started to wonder: What if we had had her earlier? She could have been with us on those trips, experiencing the same places, tasting the same foods, and seeing the same sights we had. She could have built her own memories alongside ours, becoming part of the story from the start. But I also realized that had we had her sooner, it would have been a completely different child due to the unique way DNA works. She wouldn’t be the same little person she is now, and in a strange way, I came to appreciate that. Our daughter is exactly who she’s meant to be, and while I may have wished for different timing, I know that everything happens for a reason.
After 15 years of just the two of us, our dynamic has shifted. It’s no longer just about the two of us, but about the three of us. Our daughter has brought new meaning to everything—new joy, new purpose, and a new sense of adventure. We look forward to creating more memories as a family, traveling to new places, and introducing her to the beauty of the world. There’s something magical about experiencing these moments through her eyes—seeing her excitement, curiosity, and wonder as she discovers the world with us.
While I sometimes think about the freedom we had before and the places we could have gone, I realize that the most important part of this new chapter isn’t the places we visit, but the people we share them with. Now, I’m excited to embark on new adventures with the two most important people in my life, knowing that we’re creating a different kind of memory—one filled with love, laughter, and the joy of seeing the world as a family.
