New to Motherhood: It Really Does Change You
It’s funny how much becoming a parent, a mother, changes you. And not just the physical stuff. I mean, I will never have my pre-baby body or bladder (get over it, it’s true) back. But, there are so many little things that you can’t even begin to think of until it hits you one day. All of a sudden the constantly dirty and frumpy clothes, the rarely washed or styled hair, and the disastrous house become a part of you. It’s all okay because I have this little person calling me “Mommy.” Ok, he’s screaming, “MOMMY!” because he NEEDS me to come hold his hands while he jumps on his indoor, mini trampoline.
The New Fears
One of the biggest changes I’ve experienced is the presence of the slightly morbid, paranoia that something may take me away from my son. Where does this come from? I not only worry about his well-being & safety, but it’s even more present when we break our routine and are separated from one another (date night, girls day, the ever exciting solo grocery shopping trip). This overwhelming sense of responsibility, and great appreciation for life is both humbling, and scary as hell. I realize just how very blessed I am to be living this life with my rambunctious, 25 pound wrecking ball, and his incredible daddy.
The New Emotions
I know we all joke about it, but let’s be honest, we become more and more like our own Mothers every day. I realized this week that I have a whole new understanding of why my Mom would get so emotional during movies. We would lay into her for crying at an animated Disney film. Well Mom; I get it, and I’m sorry. I recently bawled my eyes out during an episode of NCIS. I’m not even ashamed to admit it. Yes, it was a little embarrassing to sit next to my husband while I ugly cried because Anthony DiNozzo has a surprise daughter, and is leaving the team. But I mean, how can you not get emotional?!
The New ‘do
We recently watched a hilarious SNL sketch about the ‘mom cut.’ It jokes about how so many Moms have the short ‘do, and it plays on several humorous points most Moms can totally relate to (i.e. Filling a giant vase with one singular candle, and never burning it). The skit was even more funny because I had just cut my hair a couple weeks prior. I sat there laughing out loud as I kept noticing my husband glance in my direction. He loved my long hair. I loved it too–before I became a stay at home mom who rarely showered. I told my stylist at my last appointment that I was having a ‘hair identity crisis.’ It, I, needed help. It was a big change, but it was so liberating. And voila, my hair has its identity back! #longlivethemomcut
The New Friends
One of the very endearing experiences you have as a parent is becoming part of the mom club. That camaraderie among fellow parents is unlike any other friendship or bond. It’s unique in that most of us totally judge each other’s methods, (“Oh my GOD, did you see her let her kid eat that sweet potato puff off of the ground?!”), but we still have the greatest respect for one another. Parenthood is hard; really hard. We’re all probably screwing up our kids, but at least we’re trying to do the right thing. There is no one right way to parent your children. You will receive endless amounts of advice from your friends, family members, and sometimes even the stranger in the grocery store. But, as long as your kid is happy, healthy, and fully clothed at least 70% of the time, you’re in pretty good shape!
The New Marriage
The spousal relationship is another area that goes through quite a transition after having a baby. There is nothing more sexy than a sleep deprived wife with spit-up all over her clothes, and what is probably poop on her ear. I’m extremely lucky to have the best partner to go through this whole parenthood thing with. His love for our son is unlike anything I could’ve imagined. The way his face, and our kid’s, lights up when he walks in the door after work is something I hope I can remember forever. My husband not only adores our child, but he also loves and supports me even in my craziest moments. He lies and says my new short haircut looks great, and he smiles and goes along with whatever my new obsession is (currently: LuLaRoe leggings and DoTerra essential oils). I know we drive each other bananas a lot of the time, but I’m so grateful to have him by my side.
The New Love
I’ve only been on this journey of motherhood for a little over a year and a half, but it has been the most challenging and rewarding 21 months of my life. I may spend the majority of my day saying “NO, you cannot eat/play with/throw that,” but I end my ‘work day’ with my little love sitting on my lap reading bedtime stories. Those precious moments, (few and far between nowadays), when he snuggles up in my arms and lets me rock him to sleep are the greatest gift I could ever ask for. I know what my purpose is, I know he needs me, and that is the most fulfilling feeling.