Before you become a mother, you have all these ideas in your mind about what the experience will be like. But the truth is, there’s nothing that can prepare you for the journey of motherhood. You anticipate the joy you’ll feel, but the true joy is immeasurable. You know there will be sleepless nights, but you underestimate just how intensely sleep deprivation affects you. And you know that “kids say the darndest things,” but you don’t fully realize just how entertaining they can be until you are in the midst of them.
My children have made me laugh, smile, cry, scream and beam with pride. There’s never a dull moment when my children are around. And I’ve gained a lot of knowledge since entering the mommy world. Not just your everyday “here’s how you put a onesie on” knowledge, but the stuff that no book, parenting expert or seasoned parent can teach you. I’m talking about the stuff that makes this whole parenting thing worth it.
1. Breastfeeding Envy Is Real
I’m not talking about moms who wish they could breastfeed but can’t. I’m talking about my toddler son, who one time set up my nursing pillow on his lap, lifted his shirt and asked if he could feed his baby sister. It’s so cute that he wanted to help, but he got his first lesson in anatomy that day.
2. “Messy Hair, Don’t Care” Applies To Babies Too
You learn to care less about your appearance the longer you’re a mom. And I guess that attitude rubs off on our children. My daughter tries pulling out her hair tie whenever I put one in her hair, and I suppose it’s because she wants to rock that “bed head” look. She’s darn cute no matter what, so sometimes I let her win the messy hair battle.
3. Children Can Sleep In Any Position
I personally sleep best in my own bed, bundled up in the fetal position. But children? Pssh. They are like little octopuses, tossing and turning to and fro, until they finally get comfortable with their foot sitting pressed against your eye. Any co-sleeping mama knows how this goes! Don’t be surprised if one day you wake to find your little one in a handstand position snoozing away.