When my partner and I bought our first home, I was utterly clueless about motherhood. Seriously. I had a faint understanding of what being a mom meant, largely from my own mother, my mother-in-law, and the amazing women in my life who offered guidance. I knew how to be mothered, but being a mom? That was a whole different ball game.
Looking back to my journey as a new mother over a decade ago, I can hardly recognize the person I’ve become. The anxious, overwhelmed, postpartum mom I was has transformed into someone wiser and more resilient. I’ve navigated sleepless nights, illnesses, and tantrums galore. I’ve tackled playdates gone wrong, unhelpful opinions from strangers, and the unending chaos of bedtime routines. I even learned the ropes of child-rearing with a second little one in tow.
Somewhere along the way, I’ve grown stronger, smarter, and yes, a bit sleepier. Here’s what I know now:
- Laundry and dishes are relentless; they’ll never go away. The age of seven, however, does. Choose wisely.
- Stepping on a Lego barefoot should qualify as a torture method.
- Postpartum depression is very real and often painful, contrary to what some may say.
- Rainbow Loom bands can double as hair ties in a pinch. Who knew?
- Yoga pants have become the new little black dress, and I’m totally okay with that.
- Moms deserve a Mother Protection Program for when their kids are wronged.
- That little body curled against you while you’re half-asleep is the essence of comfort.
- Socks don’t have to match—a little chaos is part of the fun.
- Meals don’t need to be gourmet; a simple can of Spaghetti-Os can spark delightful conversations with your little ones.
- No matter your age, Sesame Street remains the best show on TV.
- You will survive the toddler tantrums—they’re just a phase.
- Expect your child to be the polar opposite of you in every way.
- Timeouts? You’ll get through them.
- Family photos exist for a reason: get in them often. You’ll want those memories later.
- You will endure the embarrassing moment your child has a meltdown at Target because of popcorn.
- Coffee is great; coffee with friends is better, but wine with friends is unbeatable.
- The moment you step into a friend’s home, your child will require a snack, need to use the bathroom, and somehow break a toy.
- Taking away screens hurts you more than them.
- Goldfish crackers are the currency of toddlers; they can fix nearly any situation.
- Your first child is essentially your practice run—your living experiment.
- Nurses may wear gloves when dealing with bodily fluids, but moms often skip them for the sake of speed.
- Hearing your child declare, “Yep! That’s my mom!” is a heartwarming moment that makes it all worth it.
- You won’t realize your own strength until you have to hold your child still for shots.
- You will make it through potty training, even if it feels like a struggle.
- No one buys Dreft more than once.
- Breastfeeding is incredibly challenging; if someone tells you otherwise, they’re misinformed.
- You will never truly understand New Math, and school projects can bring on tears, even from adults.
- When it comes to costumes, always opt for a colonial character and start early. They’re versatile!
- You’ll find it’s impossible to get a word in with a three-year-old.
- Enjoy uninterrupted thoughts while you can; they’re a distant memory now.
- Accidents always seem to happen right before your first adult night out in ages.
- No one listens to you until you’ve repeated yourself seven times.
- The thermometer’s reading becomes irrelevant after the first child; doses of medicine will be based on forehead temperature.
- Children seem to vomit only at 2 AM—usually all over their sheets.
- A mom’s kiss can work wonders.
- One day, you will wake up feeling like you have a grip on the chaos around you, and you’ll find joy in the journey. Mostly. Except when you’ve asked someone to bring their laundry down for the umpteenth time.
While I’m not claiming to have it all figured out, I do feel more capable now than when I first started this journey. I know more lessons await as my kids grow, especially when they start driving and dating. Let’s just say, the thought of that is overwhelming! In another eleven years, I will probably look back and chuckle at how little I truly know today.
But for now, I’m confident that I’m not the awful mom I once feared I was. With a lifetime of parenting ahead, I remain hopeful that I’ll eventually piece it all together.
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, you can check out this insightful resource, which could offer valuable insights. For those considering twins, this couple’s success story highlights their journey. And for comprehensive information on fertility and insemination methods, don’t miss this excellent resource from John Hopkins here.
Summary:
Parenting is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Over the years, I have gathered lessons and insights that have shaped my perspective on motherhood. From the never-ending chores to the small joys, every experience contributes to growth. I am continually learning and evolving, and I embrace the chaos with hope and confidence.