These are some thoughts that I have had recently. This post really has nothing to do with Adelaide and you aren’t going to find any pictures at all. It is just a little bit of rambling from mom now that Adelaide has gone to sleep for the night.
Its funny really, I frequent one of those online message boards where new moms, experienced moms, and women trying to have babies all come together to share ideas, stories, and offer suggestions and support. It really is a great place to get information. Anyway, one day someone posted a question that got me thinking. The question was, “You know you are a mom when _________” and then everyone filled in the blank. It was a pretty funny thread. I felt compelled to post some of the things I could really relate too and also list some of the ones that came to my mind. Everyone always says having a child changes you and you’ll never be the same. It’s so true. I’m sure you have also heard the statement, “you’ll never love another person the way you love your child,” or some variation. That is also so true. Being a mom has certainly changed me and I would argue becoming a mom has made me a better and stronger person. Being a mom has prompted me to do and say things I never would prior to Adelaide coming into my life. So, to answer the question, “You know you are a mom when_________?”
- When you look in your purse for your wallet but pull out a diaper, a teething ring, a pacifier, and a burp cloth before you finally find the wallet crammed at the bottom.
- When the sight of poop becomes interesting and fair game for dinner conversation.
- When you resort to taking a bath with your child to kill two birds with one stone.
- When you would rather buy new baby clothes and baby shoes than buy clothes for yourself.
- When you go to pull down your pants to pee and a baby sock falls out.
- When you look forward to going home after work and being mommy, doing all of the baby duties (feeding, bath, and bedtime routine)
- When you smell like spit-up and it doesn’t bother you.
- When no outfit is complete without either a little spit-up or baby snot.
- When you find yourself up all evening packing diaper bags, packing snacks and formula for the next day, doing baby laundry, and it is just part of everyday life.
- When sleepless nights because the baby is sick or just didn’t sleep well don’t bother you.
- When you eat the cheerios that stuck to your baby’s face.
- When you lick the dropped pacifier because you don’t have water to rinse it off.
- When you stick your own fingernail up your child’s nose because it’s easier than the bulb syringe.
- When 6 hours of sleep feels like a good night’s rest.
- When you can get ready for work in 30 minutes.
- When you can do almost any task one handed while holding a 20lb baby.
- When you are in a store full of kids and you still know your baby’s cry.
- When you cry during news reports about child abuse/neglect.
- When you think sleeping until 8am is sleeping in.
- When you have no clean underwear but the baby’s clothes are washed, folded, and put away neatly.
- When you sing a silly song, loudly if necessary, out in public to keep your child happy and it doesn’t bother you that people are staring.
- When what’s for dinner is solely determined by what has a drive-thru or curbside food delivery.
And let me say, I never understood the idea of curbside food delivery at these restaurants until I had a child. I always wondered why that was necessary. Is it so hard to get out of your car and walk in to pick up your carry-out order? Well, now I get it. It is in fact quite difficult to get out of the car, get the 20lb baby out of the car seat, lug yourself and baby into restaurant, pick up stacks of carry-out containers with one hand while juggling the baby with the other, and then make your way back to the car. All the while, baby is squirming, reaching for the carryout trays, and probably crying because she can’t have what she wants. Oh and then to top it off, you can’t find your car keys when you get to the car and you can’t dig for them because the baby is in one hand and the food is in the other. Suffice it to say, now I get the curbside to go stuff. Not only do I get it, I love it. Drive-ins and restaurants with curbside delivery are pretty much the only places to go when I am taking food home. I am now a firm believer and hope all restaurants start providing curbside food delivery.
And just to end this rambling post with one other statement I saw somewhere. Unfortunately, I can’t remember where I saw it, but…
“There is something about becoming a mother that makes a woman more beautiful, even when the focus isn’t on her anymore.”
-- This statement is so true. Becoming a mother brings something to the soul that makes you more peaceful and more beautiful. Having Adelaide has brought a completeness to my soul nothing else ever has.
On that very sappy note, I am signing off for the night. Sweet dreams and for anyone who may be wondering… no I am not drunk! A bit sentimental tonight perhaps, but certainly not drunk.
XOXOXOXOXO