Parenthood

This is a picture of my friend Jen. She's due in June, and as you can see, she has already embraced parenthood with the right attitude. We had her baby shower this past weekend at her house in Weymouth, MA. In her card, I offered her 2 pieces of advice: 1.) It does get better, and 2.) The child will grow up no matter what you do, or don't do. I cannot take credit for the latter piece of advice. That was something my dad told me one day in the midst of whatever crisis I found myself in with one of the kids, and it has never left me since. I've since passed it along to several other moms.

Anyone who is a parent can agree, that having a child changes everything. And any "newer" parent that tells you, "I can't even remember life before them", is lying. I remember what it was like. Sleeping in late, getting in and out of the car in about 3 seconds, being able to read a book, taking a shower in solitude, going "potty" in solitude, coming and going as I please, clean floors, watching the news, quiet trips through the grocery store, being able to concentrate on a phone call, laying around and watching tv, and the list goes on and on.


Anyone who has talked to me about having my first baby knows it's no secret that I had a hard time. On Friday I left work to go home as usual. On Monday I had a baby and was a stay at home mom. Let's not forget to mention breastfeeding, recovering from birth, and having no sleep. I cried like never before. But, as time went on, it did get better. So much so, I was pregnant again in 13 months. And so times passes again. And it gets easier, more manageable, and you start to get better at what you're doing.

It's unrealistic to think that life will continue on as normal after your first baby. Maybe after your third or fourth baby, but not your first. It's hard, but believe it or not, it is rewarding. Giving birth was by far my 2 proudest moments...ever. Do I still cry sometimes? Yes, but not too often. Do I still remember life before kids? Yes, but those memories are being filled with new and exciting ones with them included. Am I tired? Yes, but somehow I make it through everyday. Do I ever wish I didn't have kids? NEVER.

Oh yeah, and I'm not too worried about Jen either.