15 Things No One Tells You About Being A Mom

After nine months of pregnancy, I was so ready for my baby to come out and make her appearance into this world! After being on bed rest for over half of my pregnancy, I had read every book, every article and talked to pretty much every mom I had ever known, about parenthood. I had a list of things I was going to do with my baby, my bags were packed and I was SO ready to experience motherhood! I couldn’t wait to finally see this baby that had been kicking and twirling inside of me – she was giving me a new name… “MOM!”

As a first-time mom, I was so excited for this journey! Everyone warned me I was going to be exhausted, so when I was living off of 2 hours of sleep each night – I wasn’t surprised.

Everyone warned me that I would spend a lot of money on clothes, diapers, bottles and bows, so when my bank account slowly decreased every month – I wasn’t surprised.

Everyone also warned me that I would be so obsessed and in love with this little human, so when I fell head over heels for her and took 302 pictures a day of her – I wasn’t surprised.

But there were those few things that DID surprise me. Those few moments that I thought to myself, “Nobody ever told me this would happen! Or I would feel this way!” So today I share with you 15 Things No One Tells You About Being A Mom. 

1. MOTHERING IS TRIAL AND ERROR: No matter how many books you read, shows you watch, articles you skim or classes you take – motherhood is a “learn as you go” deal. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all formula of being a good mom. You will make mistakes, you will learn from them and everything will be okay.

2. BABY BRAIN IS REAL: You will often times find yourself walking all the way upstairs and into your room – only to wonder why in the world you went up there in the first place. You will wonder where your car keys are, but eventually will find them in your back pocket, EXACTLY where you put them. And you will search everywhere for your phone – only to realize you are talking on it.

3. YOUR CONVERSATIONS CHANGE: You use to talk about parties, hair, clothes and your pedicure. But suddenly every conversation is about poop {the color, the texture and how often you change a diaper}, boogers {and how hard it is to get them out of their little noses!} and sleep {and how little of it you are living off of}.

4. THE DEFINITION OF “MESSY” CHANGES: You thought your house was “messy” before kids? You thought your car was “messy” before kids? You thought you looked “messy” before kids? That all changes. Suddenly, the house isn’t messy at all if there is a pathway to the front door. Your car isn’t that messy at all if there are just a few smashed fishy crackers in between the seats. And if you are wearing the same shirt you wore all week and the spit-up stain is covered by your hair – it is all good!

5. BABIES ARE BORN WITH PERSONALITIES: And every child is different. The same parent can have two completely different children, even though they parent just the same! Our children are born to us with their own little bodies and minds – as their moms, we get to teach and guide them, but they will have their own little personalities and desires.

6. YOU TALK, LAUGH, SING AND ACT COMPLETELY DIFFERENT: Suddenly you start talking really high with your eyebrows up to the sky and eyes open wide. You play peek-a-boo like a champion and sing songs over and over again just because it makes your baby smile. Your vocabulary completely changes and you suddenly know nothing about the news or pop culture – but everything about Sofia The First and Dora The Explorer.

7. BREASTFEEDING ISN’T FOR EVERYONE: Sometimes you don’t have an option to breastfeed – and that is okay! And sometimes you may just not want to – and that is okay too! Just because you can’t nurse doesn’t make you a bad mom. It is hard and frustrating – sometimes a really big challenge!

8. YOUR MARRIAGE WILL CHANGE: You can read more about the changes a baby brings here. You may hear horror stories of fighting more with your husband or not wanting him to even touch you – but babies bring something so special to a marriage. It can strengthen you and help your love grow even stronger! You can also read here why marriage matters after the baby.

9. YOU WILL QUESTION, WORRY AND GOOGLE JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING: Oh heavens! Whether it is a little bump on their knee, a rash on their face, a tear in their eye, a discolored poop or just a fussy little baby – google will become your very best friend.

10. SOMETIMES YOU NEED HELP: You will quickly learn that you can’t do it alone and that it is 100% okay AND NECESSARY to ask for an extra hand. Never feel like you have to do it all by yourself – a family member, a friend, a neighbor – ask for help. EVERY mom has her moments – and should always ask for assistance. Even if it is just so you can have a five minute breather, a walk around the grocery store alone or a trip to Target to buy something JUST for you.

11. A GIFT FROM A CHILD BECOMES YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: Whether it is a scribbled piece of paper, a half torn coloring page, a rock from your front yard or a flower from the park – when your little one gives you a gift – your heart will officially melt. And suddenly the new pair of shoes or purse can get pushed to the side, because that gift is worth more than anything.

12. GROCERY SHOPPING ALONE IS A TREAT: Sometimes you may have to put the baby to bed, leave the husband or babysitter at home – and just GO. Go to Target. Go to the grocery store. Grab a cart and just walk up and down every aisle. It will kind of feel like heaven.

13. MAMA-BEAR MIGHT COME OUT: You will protect, protect, protect. As a mom, your natural instincts are to help your baby and as they grow it continues on. You won’t want them to get hurt. You won’t want them to get sick. You won’t want them to be sad. You instantly would do ANYTHING for them.

14. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE SUPER MOM: Nobody said you have to do everything. I always wanted to keep up with all of the other moms going to the park, the zoo and the mall – all while juggling five kids and taking dinner to a family in need. Slow down – enjoy the little moments. And if you just need a day at home in your pajamas…DO IT!

15. YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELF: This is true. More than EVER! You will feel more love in your heart than you ever knew you could feel. You will find your weaknesses and strengths. You will realize what your priorities are and maybe even see that some things you thought were important, aren’t really. You will laugh and cry. You will experience joy and sadness. You will find who you are and have a reason to become even better every day.

 

Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day!

September 22, 2014 by Danielle Davis | 3 Comments