I made a little list about what I knew about being parent before I became one and what I didn't know:
I knew that I would hate getting parenting advice as much as I do.
I knew I would love my baby more than I could have realized before her.
I knew that whatever we were dealt, we'd be able to handle it. So I never worried about it.
I knew the newborn stage wouldn't be my favorite.
I thought my baby would sleep more.
I thought she would cry less.
I never expected to not feel like a normal person or to not get dressed in the morning.
Or to not put on make-up or shower daily.
I didn't realize how judgmental I had been about moms prior to me becoming a mom.
I didn't realize that I strongly prefer the attachment parenting style over traditional.
I didn't know that a baby could hate her car seat so much.
I didn't know that that would greatly impact where we could feasibly take her.
I didn't know that it's an uncontrollable mommy instinct to want her covered in a blanket whenever she sleeps. Or whenever she isn't wearing pants. Or socks. Or whenever it was less than 72 degrees in the house.
I didn't know that only an hour or two of crying could be a 'good day'.
I didn't know I would feel so alone.
I didn't know that even when Rob and I are both home, I would be the one really responsible for her.
I didn't know I would prefer it that way.
I didn't know she would like my boobs so much.
I didn't know I would rely on my husband to take care of me so much.
I didn't know how protective of her I would feel.
I didn't know how little I would care about things that used to take up so much of my time.
I didn't know that her cry could instantly make me do the same.
I didn't know how annoyed I would feel at my husband for doing something like, coughing, when she was trying to sleep.
I didn't know that there would be days where I would be the only one that could console her. Or play with her. Or hold her for more than 10 minutes.
I didn't know she could consider 30 minutes a good night's sleep.
I didn't know that she would cause me to not want another.
I didn't know how important my mommy friendships would become.
I didn't know how much I would look forward to my weekdays alone with her.
I didn't know I would ever co-sleep. Or use a sleep positioner. Or a blanket in her bassinet.
I didn't know how little the birth experience matters in the long run.
I didn't know I would get a look of 'congratulations on joining the club' from every older woman I pass in the store.
I didn't know how hungry I would be while breastfeeding.
I didn't know it would literally take me all morning to leave the house.
I didn't know I could cry just thinking about how wonderful, beautiful and important she is to me.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment