This is a poignant reflection on teh pressures new mothers face and the importance of enjoying the present moment. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways from the text:

* Initial⁣ Struggle with Postpartum Body⁣ Image: The author initially focused on losing weight after giving birth, driven by self-criticism and a⁤ desire to "get her body back."⁣ She punished⁣ herself with an aggressive⁣ weight loss approach.

* Regret Over Missed Moments: She realizes she was so preoccupied with weight loss that she didn't fully savor the⁤ early⁣ days with her son. She wishes she had celebrated her body for what it did - give her a child - rather of focusing on its perceived flaws.

* Achieving⁢ the Goal,But Feeling Empty: while she eventually lost the weight and felt ⁤happy with her ⁢physical appearance,she then recognized what she had sacrificed in the process. Her son was growing up quickly, and she had missed out on precious babyhood moments.

* Shift in Perspective ⁢& Reconnection: this realization prompted a change. She started prioritizing experiences with her son - playing, baking - and her⁣ relationship with food and exercise returned to a healthier balance.

* The Core Message: The author emphasizes that enjoying her son as a baby was the most critically important thing, and she regrets not realizing that sooner. The text serves as a reminder to mothers ⁢to⁤ be kind to themselves and focus ⁣on the joy of motherhood rather than striving for unrealistic physical ideals.

The author's story is relatable for many new mothers who grapple with body image issues and the pressure to ⁣"bounce back" after ⁤pregnancy. It's a powerful message about prioritizing connection and presence ⁣over perfection.