1-I've learned how much free time I actually had (and how unwisely I spent it) before I had kids.
2-I've learned that clothes wash, skin heals, and fun happens.
3-I've learned to never, ever judge other mothers because the moment I do, God will deal me their hand.
4-I've learned that television may rot a child's brain, but it's a great distraction for when I need to use the bathroom.
5-I've learned it is possible to be in love with more than one person at a time.
6-I've learned that I can't do it all by myself.
7-I've learned that most of the time the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and all the baby books in the world don't know nearly as much about my children as I do.
8-I've learned that the only person who is bothered by the house being messy is me.
9-I've learned that my husband is an amazing partner to have in the trenches of parenthood.
10-I've learned to eat meals standing up, and to forget to eat them sitting down when I actually can!
11-I've learned that things I used to enjoy, like fireworks and thunderstorms, become my hell on earth if they occur during bedtime.
12-I've learned that what my husband calls "caving to my kids" I call "picking my battles."
13-I've learned that sleeping in and showering are luxuries that I will never again take for granted.
14-Sadly (though I would never do this), I've learned how some mothers can lose it and hurt their kids. Thankfully, I'm learning daily how to have a tremendous amount of patience.
Note: That was maybe too sobering to post, but I honestly feel that empathy for women like this is not only something I've learned, but something that had to be said.
15-I've learned that my mother is the most amazing woman alive.
16-I've learned to enjoy my children.
17-I've learned that time really does go by too fast.
18- I've learned that the hardest job in the world doesn't bring home a pay-check.
19- I've learned to put another person's needs (or two... or three) ahead of my own.
20-I've learned to give up being a perfectionist. At least for now. ;-)
5 comments:
Hi Jen
Your post shows not only incredible insight, but is reflective of a fantastic Mom who does a terrific job. Your number 15 made me cry. Thank you! Your Dad and I think you're amazing. Love always, MOM
That is really beautiful. I really enjoy reading your blog.
I just started my own and I hope I can put things as well as you.
http://whenthepiecesfit.blogspot.com/
It's a great list, and I would need to sit with it awhile and really think to come up with my own list, but here are a couple off the top of my head:
*I've learned that sanity comes from achieving medium-range goals (for me).
*I've learned that a child's job is to prove his/her parents wrong.
*I've learned about the powerful link between sleep and patience. Yikes.
I applaud you for #14. I think that moms need to talk more often about the rage we feel sometimes because if all moms knew it was normal then it might be easier to just take a deep breath and think "I'm OK, I'm OK, this feeling is normal" instead of feeling guilty about it and feeling like a bad mom.
Thanks Karen. I really debated with myself about #14 because I didn't want people to think I was violent simply because I could understand.
I loved your comments! I wish I had more "I've learned..." to add to the list. Think of the collective knowledge we have all learned!
I've learned that "Never Say Never" is actually a school of parenting I never thought I'd be a part of. But I am.
I've learned that, to quote Winnie the Pooh, "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
I've learned just how much my parents loved me, even when I was a horrible PITA teenager. If they ever held me and felt half the love I've felt for my kids when holding them, well, I can't even express how much they loved (and still do) me. Humbling.
I've learned how hilarious having kids can really be.
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