1. The first thing you learn (and very quickly, I must say) is that it's hard work. Like climbing-a-mountain-with-a-load-of-bricks-on-your back hard...or harder. Some days are easy peasy and other days will completely suck. It's okay, you're allowed to say it. Momming can really suck sometimes. Like when they are sick or hurt and there's nothing you can do about it. Like when their feelings are hurt and, worse, when you're the one hurting their feelings. It really is necessary sometimes, though. Anytime you have to "yell" at them or "punish" them, it will of course make them upset, but it has to be done. Well, unless you want your kids to be total monsters. So it's fine...you're probably going to dwell on it way longer than they will.
2. Another thing I learned is that my voice is not always heard by little ears. In fact, sometimes I question my own sanity because I've repeated myself so many times. It's like I'm talking to a wall. Those ears don't work for crap...unless the words "treat" or "cookie" are mentioned. Then they're right at your feet listening to every word. Must get that from their dad. I swear my daughter does it on purpose sometimes just to make me mad. But, then other times I look at her, and she is legitimately engrossed in the book or toy she is playing with and much too busy to listen to what I have to say. Her little mind is taking every little thing in at all times. Pick your battles, I guess.
3. At some point, you will be that parent with that kid who is throwing an absolute fit in the middle of a store. You will want to walk away and pretend like you don't even know this kid. They will scream. Loudly.
4. Say goodbye to looking pretty. You'll be lucky if you can take a shower and do your hair on the same day. Flats and tennis shoes are your friend. It's hard toting around a baby and/or chasing a toddler in heels. And, trust me, you WILL be chasing them...everywhere. Especially if you have a boy. He'll be running away from you, gettting into every cupboard and drawer he can reach, climbing the furniture...you name it, he'll be doing it. You can wear your fancy schmancy shoes when you go out with your husband...if that ever happens again.
5. You're going to spend less and less time with your friends. Your kids are your friends now. You're now asking your 4-year-old daughter how that dress looks on you instead of your girlfriends. Oh, and your nice little two-door car? Nope, not going to work. You don't necessarily need a mini-van...I vowed never to own one and I still do not...but I immediately upgraded from my little Mitsubishi Eclipse to a crossover SUV as soon as we started trying for a baby. My husband is totally on board for a mini-van, though. He just loves that the doors slide open with a push of a button and all the room!
6. You'll also very quickly learn that motherhood is the best thing in the whole world. Everything that sucks about parenting doesn't even compare to how great and rewarding it is. Shit definitely happens...sometimes literally...they spill things, they draw on the furniture, they break things, your house will be a mess, laundry will pile up. But that just means that you're doing your most important job and that is being a good mom. Sometimes you'll end the day crying because you're so stressed out. Sometimes you'll go an extra day without giving them a bath. Sometimes you eat out or order takeout more than once a week and (gasp!) sometimes it will be fast food. And sometimes when you're kid is being naughty, it's funny and you laugh out loud. You're not proud, but it's funny.
7. Finally, the most important things I've learned from having kids...love, patience and life. I never knew a love quite like the love between mother and child. We literally need each other. I can't imagine a life without them.
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