Motherhood has changed me in ways that are hard to articulate. And you'd think after having a kid for 18 years I'd have this parenting thing down to a science but the cold hard truth is I don't.
This week I learned that asking my 14 year -old son how his day was will get me this response ,”Fine”.
But asking him what was the BEST part of his Day will ACTUALLY garner me some real live details about what he did and about his experience in that very moment.
I also learned that when it comes to my teen daughter pretending like I DON'T care and am not interested is the easiest way to get her to divulge her innermost thoughts and feelings with me.
It kinda reminds me of how I was supposed to play hard to get when I was dating ( a game I never did all that well with!)
Bottom line: As a Parent you will Make LOTS of Mistakes and That's Okay. I usually get several dozen messages forwarded to me (don't we all!) and while most are sweet, this one just really resonated with me and I wanted to share it.
Before I was a Mom
#1 I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
#2 I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
#3 I never thought about immunizations.
#4 I had never been puked on.
#5 Pooped on.
#6 Chewed on.
#7 Peed on.
#8 I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
#9 I slept all night.
#10 I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
#11 Or give shots.
#12 I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
#13 I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
#14 I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
#15 I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
#16 I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
#17 I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
#18 I never knew that I could love someone so much.
#19 I never knew I would love being a Mom.
#20 I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
#21 I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
#22 I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
#23 I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
#24 I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all
was okay.
#25 I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
#26 I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.
I love this and I agree with all 26 ways motherhood changes us. Who knew that motherhood would be such an adventure? But I sure do love being a mom.
Yes, so true! Motherhood has always made me more tired than I ever thought I could be. But the little stinkers are worth it.
Motherhood definitely changed me as well. There are so many things you can’t relate to before having kids. Now I cry at sappy commercials 🙂
I totally agree with your list. Motherhood can be tough, but I won’t change it for the world because it is so worth it. The joy that my son has given me and continue to give me is immeasurable.
Being a mother would be the greatest that can ever happen to a woman. It changes you a lot, like a lot lot. I can really see that you are and you have been an amazing mom to your kids.
I am going to have to share this with some of my Mum friends – I am sure having kids changes you so so much in so many different and incredible ways.
Motherhood isn’t glamorous but it is so worth it. I am thankful that I have been honored to be the mom to my three babies. It hasn’t been easy especially since I was a single mom with my older two and now I’m a single mom again. It is still worth it though because I wouldn’t be who I am today without my babies. They make me want to be a better person. I’ve done my best to raise them with compassion, love, and empathy.
Love this. These are so true! Absolutely EVERYTHING changes when you become a mom!! (Also, have to say: You look EXACTLY like your son. Twins!)
I agree with all of these the one with heart outside your body is one that I never expected. Love this list
This is a beautiful post. Your kids are grown up, and you look really great 🙂 Being a mother is not easy, but I really enjoy it every minute.
I totally agree with your list! I love these things that change us for the better. It’s not all easy and perfect, but in the end, it’s worth it.