A little over six months ago, I became a mom to a fierce, brave and determined little girl. It’s been blissful, fun, challenging, hard and exhausting. Here are a few things I’ve learned so far along the way:
- Bodily fluids are just another type of fluid. Yesterday alone I got snot, spit up and pee on my shirt. I didn’t even bother changing until the pee happened, and only then so she wouldn’t get dirty snuggling with me after her bath. It’s amazing how what disgusted me before doesn’t even phase me now. (Except the poop…that’s gross.)
- Babies are smarter than you think. Another word to use is manipulative. When I know AND she knows that she’s not hungry, but will cry at night until I feed her? When she won’t eat green beans for grandpa, but greedily chows down on them for me? Yeah.
- There’s a lot I’d give up if only my kid would ______. Every mom has their thing. For me, it’s “take good naps.” PLEASE GOD JUST TAKE A NAP. (Note: She can be a great napper…if it’s on my husband or me! See #2 above.)
- I underappreciated what it was like to never get sick. Before October, I got sick maybe one time a year, if that. HAHAHA. I’ve already been sick twice since then…and my kid has been coughing again, so it’s only a matter of time.
- People have OPINIONS. Okay, so I already knew this. But man people’s opinions are an even greater landmine when it comes to babies – co-sleeping, cry it out, purees, baby-led weaning, stay home with the kids, work outside the home, etc., etc., etc. We’re all just doing the best we can, right? What? I’m doing it all wrong? Thank you, thank you.
- There’s never enough time. Having a full-time job and being a mom is no joke. I often feel like I’m running around flailing like a chicken with no head – and still not getting everything done. Wouldn’t it be better to relax and just do my best? Um, still working on that one.
Fellow parents, what else can I look forward to, during the next six months and beyond?
