The other morning as I woke up, I saw this picture on my phone.

I feel like I’m in the thick of it right now. The infant trenches are those. But that night, it was my husband’s turn to wake up with the infant. After changing, feeding, and putting down the infant (who eventually got into bed with us throughout the night), he sneaked this photo of my daughter and I.

I typically don’t upload a picture of myself that I haven’t “posed” for. And whoever took it typically irritates me. But it’s different this time. This picture was special.

because the previous few weeks have been quite difficult. It’s simple to overlook how demanding a newborn is. How worn out you get—physically, mentally, and emotionally. You’re already worn out when two more kids are added to the mix. Each and every time.

My daily tasks include changing diapers, holding infants, wiping tears, cleaning spills, doing laundry, washing dishes, and many snack breaks.

I don’t regularly take a shower. My eyes are swollen and have bags under them from lack of sleep. My clothing is almost probably spit-up or food-stained. I always wear my hair up in a mother bun. My makeup has completely disappeared.

And everything is shown in this picture. Although it isn’t glamorous, it portrays one of the most challenging jobs in the world: parenthood.

I want to look back on this period of my life. When you’re in the trenches, it’s easy to forget that you’ll ultimately miss something, therefore I needed this picture to serve as a reminder.

The sleepless nights won’t bother me as much as rocking and cuddling my infants to sleep. As their tiny fingers encircle mine, I can feel their tiny chests breathing in and out.

The sobbing outbursts won’t bother me as much as the ability to calm my kids down with just a hug and a peck on the forehead.

The ability to clean up their messes with only soap and water will be missed more than I will cleaning up spilled milk.

I won’t miss having a sore neck and back from sharing a bed with my children. However, I’ll miss seeing their faces next to mine when I get up in the morning. Those morning cuddles are going to be missed.

I want to look back on this period of my life.

Despite how hard and overwhelming this period of parenthood can be, I don’t want to forget it.

Therefore, don’t forget to remind your spouse or romantic partner. They must take these pictures of you, so remind them to do so.

“Be proud of these pictures.”