Instead of the usual lovely-written "props to mom" for Mothers' Day notes, this is my list of things no one ever told me about motherhood until I experienced them myself. And yes some seem rather interesting or may be a turn off to motherhood for some, but for me they all are things I now look back on and laugh at or just shake my head. Feel free to add your own in the comments!
It's funny no one tells you of the silly things you'll have to do and all the wonderful moments you'll have. There were so many sleepless nights with Ruby Red where the mainstream would be saying, "See, I told you so" when I treasured those moments.
I'd be nursing my baby in the bathroom either
a) because baby was latched on in bed and I felt bad unlatching her. I would usually continue to nurse on the toilet until she was finished, feeling bad that I would have to interrupt her yet again. Several times my legs went numb waiting for her to finish...
b) because I couldn't bear her crying at my legs with a look of rejection. In her mind, it was as if I thought going to the bathroom more important than her.
I'd have stretch marks that make me look like a tiger. No matter how much cocoa butter I've slathered on they eventually came (maybe not with the 1st baby) and they haven't gone away, although they have faded.
I'd want my pre-breastfeeding boobs back because I wouldn't have to worry about cleavage. I remember the days when all I wanted was to get pregnant so that I could be bigger up top...
Babies take up more than half the space in bed and you and your spouse are clinging to the sheets so as to not fall off.
Baby puke smells amazing.
I'd also like the sweet smell of breastmilk poop.
Bodily functions are now a normal and acceptable topic of conversation (when talking about your children, that is).
Breastfeeding in public is so controversial, yet people are so ok with seeing breasts for sexuality on magazine covers. I never knew how "anti-breast-showing" people could be towards a nursing mother before I became one.
NFP comes naturally because momma's tired or the baby's nursing all night.
People think you don't love your child or are selfish if you choose not to vaccinate. Research!
Most of the books I now read for fun are about parenting or birth.
People will give all sorts of un-asked-for advice when it comes to everything parenting. After awhile, this is tiresome for a mother, even when it's well-intended.
People think you're an idiot if you're a stay at home mom instead of juggling work, kids and home. Apparently they don't realize how busy you really are. I wish I had the relaxing days people assume I have.
You're children mimick everything. This doesn't only mean the things you say but how you react to conflict and stress. Yikes!
At the end of the day, no matter how bad of a day it was, your babies will always love you and prefer you above all else.
It is so stinkin' impossible to keep a 1 year old clean all day, even with bibs.
Rocking your baby in the middle of the night is one of the most precious moments you can have with him/her.
I would spend most of my oldest's 1st year topless, trying to bond and get her to breastfeed better.
You have to listen to that "gut feeling" instead of what your anybody else tells you about birth, sleeping, breastfeeding. etc. You'll truly know when you need advice and hopefully ask for it. But if you know you're doing what's right for your family, follow your heart!
Everything takes longer and is messier with a toddler.
My shirt has become the universal kleenex and always has snot marks across the shoulder.
I should also be packing an extra set of clothes for myself when we're out in public.
It's not that hard to make your own baby food instead of giving them that processed stuff in the stores.
I'd start eating healthier because I have to be a good example.
There are always cheerios in our couch cushions, even though I vacuum under them several times a week.
My car will never look clean for long, no matter how hard I try.
My husband is my rock and, although not a woman or a mother, the one I turn to first. The wisdom a loving father and husband has about a situation may be right on, even if I don't agree at first!
Our dates usually include our girls either going to a restaurant with us or asleep in the backseat while we're driving around on our "coffee dates".
Unless I shower at midnight, I have no privacy in the shower.
I'd become very good at singing Imagination Movers and Laurie Berkner songs.
No matter how bad I sound singing, my girls love it and it actually soothes them.
I'd get so much joy from simply watching my girls discover and enjoy life.
I always knew I'd love being a mom, but never knew I could love it this much. My girls are my world and when I think I just couldn't love them more, I fall in love all over again.
Happy Mothers' Day to all the fantasic mommas out there!
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
