Parents Reveal Their Luckiest Moments and Other Quotables

Between the long nights, headaches, and exhaustion, being a parent can be pretty rough. When something rewarding happens, whether it’s having a large family, getting pregnant with twins, or even just getting pregnant, there is a lot we have to be thankful for in retrospect. We asked moms around the New York area what their luckiest parenting moment has been and learned that although our kids can drive us crazy sometimes, at the end of the day we wouldn’t have it any other way. We also feature quotes from some of our go-to blogs and sites, including something to remember the next time you feel like you’re not doing enough as a parent, and why you should look forward to losing an hour of sleep for Daylight Saving Time, plus a Queens school’s memorable field trip.

What has been your luckiest parenting moment?

“Getting pregnant in the first place. I struggled with infertility for years and was smack dab in the middle of IVF when I became pregnant with our son. I never felt luckier than in that moment.”

—Amy Edlestein, Nassau County

“Every day with my kids feels a little but lucky and a little bit crazy. We are lucky to go on so many adventures in Brooklyn and discover new parts of our borough every week. The craziness of being a large family is so worth it.”

—Tracy R., Park Slope, Brooklyn

“I don’t know if I believe in luck as much as I believe that everything happens for a reason. I’m grateful for my family every day and always remind my children to count their blessings.”

—Penny Ramirez, New Rochelle

“Getting pregnant with twins!! Some people might have totally freaked out but they run in my family so I felt so lucky to carry on that family tradition with my own brood. My girls are definitely my good luck charms.”

—Amanda Jenkins, Forest Hills, Queens

“I feel lucky for my family and extended family who live in the area. Without them I don’t know how I would handle this whole parenting thing. It truly takes a village.”

—Susan Klinger, Manhattan

The Joys of Daylight Savings

“There’s nothing better than dining al fresco, in my opinion, whether it’s at a restaurant that has outdoor seating, in a backyard (if you’re lucky enough to have one), or on a building’s rooftop terrace. I really love spreading out a blanket and dining among nature (and other picnickers) at the local park.”

—Katelin Walling in an article entitled “Daylight Saving Time: 5 Ways to Take Advantage of an Extra Hour of Sunlight”

Something to Keep in Mind

“But here’s what I’m beginning to realize, or rather, what I need to realize. Moms are not machines. We can’t go and go and go without stopping or we will break. And there is no free replacement if we do. I may want to hang those picture frames or shred those bills tonight when the have-tos of my day are done. But honestly, what I need to do is to sit on the couch, curl up next to my sweet dog, and watch some Netflix.”

—Janene Dutt in a post entitled “If You Feel Like You Didn’t Do Enough Today, Remember This” on scarymommy.com