What Motherhood Has Taught Me

Since this upcoming weekend is Mother’s Day (don’t forget!!! And also — it’s NOT Mom’s Day, so please don’t call it that), I figured I would do some Mom-centric posts. Bare with me

I had a lot of pre-conceived notions on motherhood before I had kids and when I was pregnant. Those pretty much all flew out the window once the kids were born. There are things I didn’t think I would do (cry when I went back to work, breastfeed for 2+ years), there were things I thought I would do (have a strict sleep schedule, try co-sleeping), there were things that took me by surprise (that breastfeeding could suck so much -literally and figuratively), and there are things that turned out to be harder than I thought they would be (sleep training, potty training, and weaning).

Most importantly, motherhood has taught me A LOT. Here are just a few things…

• There is no greater love. I never understood how much my parents loved ME until I had my own.





• Time will speed up…and it won’t EVER slow down.
• Every stage and age is amazing. Even the terrible 2s and horrible 3s.





• Yes, the 3s are worse than the 2s.
• Letting kids think you are giving THEM the power is the MOST POWERFUL tool you can use when parenting. Maybe even in life.
• You will learn every song to every children’s television show. And you will sing them ALL.DAY.LONG. (I’ve been singing the theme song to Little Einsteins for 4 days now.)
• You get to use your kids as an excuse to see cartoons and other fun movies you otherwise wouldn’t admit to watching (Like, ahem, Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Squeakquel.)
• Sleep deprivation is short lived. Seriously. You will sleep again.
• Your house can go from clean and organized to a complete mess in 30 seconds flat.
• Fevers suck and they come and go as they please without explanation.
• Wearing white? Is not an option. For anyone.



• Counting backwards from 5 (or 3) is a life skill.
• You’ll hear the word “No!” 812,462,846 times.
• Having your kid “do the right thing” is more painful for you than them (it would really take less time if you did it yourself).
• Sometimes, time out is really for YOU.
• “This too shall pass.” becomes a life statement.
• There is no better support — than family.



• Bedtime is full of procrastination and snuggles. Win-win. (sometimes)
• Whining will drive you insane and possibly to drink.
• There is nothing better than smiles of joy, open mouth kisses, and squirmy hugs.











• Being a mom is the best!

What life lesson have you unexpectedly learned? How are celebrating your mom?