It’s amazing how motherhood has changed me. It’s been a wild, eye-opening, learning experience for me. Here are a few things I never knew until I became a mom:
- Showers are a luxury. I’ll be honest, I loved taking long showers. Everyday. Twice a day. Those days are long gone and oh how I miss them. With four children, one of them being a 10-month old, showers are a luxury. In fact, I haven’t showered since the day before yesterday. Why? In addition to the usual mommy stuff, I breastfeed my baby around the clock. Where in the world am I going to find the time to shower?
- The world is a scary place. You could say that I lived in a little bit of a bubble before I became a mother. I sure had my blinders on. As far as I was concerned, the world was a playground and everyone played nice. The truth is, it’s ugly out there. It’s difficult to balance my need to protect my children from the ugliness in the world while allowing them to learn from their experiences on their own.
- Sleeping-in is worth more than gold. Prior to having children, I slept in quite a bit on weekends. Oh how I miss waking up in the middle of the afternoon! If I knew then what I know now, I would’ve slept in a little more often. Can I have a redo?
- I’m a lot stronger than I ever thought I could be. Six years ago, I was a single mother. Having been left by my husband at the time, I found myself alone with three young children thousands of miles from my family in Hawaii. I had but one friend in the state I was living in at the time. What I took from that experience is, I am resilient. I cleaned houses to provide for my children and maintained my integrity during the divorce. My children gave me a reason to be strong. Prior to becoming a mother, I probably would’ve ran back home to my Mommy and Daddy with my tail between my legs. Thanks to this experience, I’ve learned that I have an inner strength like no other.
- I don’t know it all. Believe it or not, I don’t. I used to think that I knew all the answers… to everything. Boy was I wrong. Let me tell you, being a mother is a challenge. This motherhood thing is forever changing and evolving. I’ve got to stay on top of my game! Thankfully, I’ve got a great support system of family and friends who are always there to share from their experiences.
- Puke, poop and pee are not weapons of mass destruction. As a mom, I’ve seen it all, smelled it all, cleaned it all and even held it in my hand at one time or another. Nothing will cure squeamishness like motherhood. I’m proof of that!
- Teenagers are ruthless. They’re also a pain in the butt at times! I’m going to tell you something and you’re not going to believe me. You’ll probably laugh. Here goes… I was a great kid. My world revolved around my family. I truly enjoyed being with my family so things like broken curfews, cussing, disrespect and lying really weren’t a problem. Seriously. Now, what I was surprised to find out was that being a good kid doesn’t guarantee that you’ll have kids who were as angelic as you were. Trust me. Puberty has brought out a little bit of a beast in our home. Granted, my teen isn’t horrible. He’s a bit sarcastic and disrespectful at times, but that’s as far as it’s gone. So far. Nevertheless, I’ve come to realize that teenagers are no joke. They’re ruthless!
- Moms are rock stars! Growing up, I was never really impressed with my mom. In my mind, she was nothing but a cook, disciplinarian, chauffeur, laundry lady and party pooper. Wrong again! I’m proud to say that I have a greater appreciation for my Mom now that I’m in her shoes. Thanks Mom!
- Juggling is an important skill. Learning to balance all of life’s demands can be such a challenge. As a young woman, I never worried about any of that. I wore one hat all the time. I was Kristi, childless young woman. These days, I am so much more to so many people. Motherhood requires you to juggle and wear many hats. Balance is key!
- I need me some Jesus. That’s right folks. I need Jesus. As a free spirited woman, I didn’t have time for God. I was too busy doing my own thing. As a mother, I have finally wrapped my head around the truth that I need Him. God’s love, mercy and grace sustain me. Without Him, I am nothing. And that’s all I have to say about that!
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Teenagers are ruthless…so not looking forward to that!! Great list, visiting from mama kats!!
It’s amazing what you can learn when you have to huh? And at the hands of babes so to speak.
Stopping by from Mama Kats. Great post! I love doing her workshops.
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February 4, 2010 at 9:26 am
Keep that #5 quiet! My family is still functioning under the belief that I, in fact, do know everything. I’m not so concerned about the kids finding out otherwise, but Hubby is much easier to deal with if he continues to operate under this assumption! Thanks for stopping by today and your little people are quite good looking!
parenting BY dummies´s last blog ..Thank Me Later Thursday: Miley Edition
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February 4, 2010 at 1:05 pm
@parenting BY dummies,
You’re cracking me up! We’ll definitely keep number five under wraps. Your husband will be none the wiser.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.
Twitter: 7clowncircus
February 4, 2010 at 11:28 am
Who would have known an un-interrupted shower would be golden?
LOVED your list. Loved it.
angie´s last blog ..Top Ten Mommy List
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February 4, 2010 at 1:24 pm
@angie,
Thanks so much Angie. I l LOVE your blog!
Love your list. But I agree with Parenting by Dummies we need to keep that #5 on the down low
Twitter: TweetingMama
February 4, 2010 at 1:17 pm
@Jenny,
Will do! lol
No 10. Wow. Yes. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Jennifer´s last blog ..My family is accident prone
Moms and prayers to God are interlinked to me.Stopping from SITS!
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February 4, 2010 at 2:13 pm
I feel ya. The strength you never knew you had was there all along, just dormant and waiting for the moment you needed it all.
Twitter: MarfMom
February 4, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Yay for doing a Mama Kat’s WW! I esp. agree with #3 and #10!
Maya´s last blog ..Lessons Lived, Lessons Learned
You are amazing! You had me all teary-eyed!Yes, teenagers are ruthless, lose the ability to smile, and forget how their mama was their favorite person! It’s true – never say their parents didn’t raise them right – because a lot of us are working hard to do it!
Everything you said is so true, except, I don’t see how you missed the solution to #1 – I’d think you are such a multi-tasking mom, you could nurse in the shower! LOL
BTW – heart-felt thanks for your sweet words of encouragement and prayers during the loss in our family. Kind thoughts like yours gave me a lot of strength:)
bluecottonmemory´s last blog ..Where’s that Miracle?
Twitter: chaoticcbk
February 5, 2010 at 4:05 pm
What an Awesome Post! Amazing what what we learn through raising our children and who we turn to for strength and guidance!
Have a WONDERFUL weekend! Thnx for stopping by!
xoxoxo,
Kristen
Twitter: lvano
February 5, 2010 at 5:48 pm
That’s a really great list! I could relate and agree to so many things on it… specially number 2. Today I wrote the words “But it turns out, I DO think there’s a big, bad, world out there – and I don’t know what to do about it, really.” So yeah -we’re on the same wave length…
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I have an award for you! Here is the link: http://www.jdaniel4smom.com/2010/02/three-awards-to-pass-on.html
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Just loved this post… coming from SITS. Random, but are you going to Bloggy Boot Camp in Baltimore?
How very true!
Motherhood is definitely a huge learning curve and takes thise multitasking skills to a whole new level!
I can’t remember what I did with my time before but I’m glad I’m on this journey.
Insomniac Mummy´s last blog ..Miss you! – A tale of how not to migrate to WordPress
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February 12, 2010 at 7:19 pm
I love this list! I esp. love number 10. Just like you I didn’t know Him until after I became a mother but it worked out perfectly. He knew I didn’t look good bald and rescued me cause I would have pulled my hair out already without Him!!!
Ms. Latina´s last blog ..UPrinting Custom Sticker Giveaway
these things are so true.. I miss being able to just get up and go to a spur of the minute movie, or catch up with a friend whenever i could… now everything is meticulously planned out
sera´s last blog ..Hello world!