Motherhood

Today, a friend asked me how I've changed since becoming a mother. What a difficult question to answer... I'm sharing my reply...

I don't know where to begin. My priorities have changed in so many ways since Mallory came into my life! I'm learning to be a patient person. I watch my language because I know she is a sponge and will one day regurgitate everything I've said. For the first time in my life, someone else's needs and wants come before my own. I could stare at her all day long and not get bored. I use coupons. I wake up at the slightest noise or whimper. Her smile is contagious no matter how mad or sad I am. I carry a huge purse, not a cute clutch, full of diapers instead of make-up and lip gloss. She get's new clothes, I wear old ones (my friends warned me this would happen, but I didn't believe them... they were right.) I am the pony-tail queen, there are too many other things to do than my own hair. I am anal about my floors being clean, but I don't mind the clutter of toys across the room. I understand the phrase "unconditional love." I sit on the floor instead of the couch. I like making funny animal noises. I cry at sappy commercials and love songs I hear on the radio. My heart physically hurts when she is sick, and I would do anything to take away the pain. I talk about her 24/7. I plan play dates with neighborhood kids instead of "girls night out" with friends. Sleep is optional. I breastfeed in public. I wear flats instead of high heels. I wear sports bras outside the gym. I sing silly songs and know too many nursery rhymes to count, but I have no clue what songs are on the top 40 count down. I talk to myself outloud in public and play goofy games with her in the check-out line. I lick my finger and wipe her face and don't think it's yucky. Now it takes me twice as long to leave the house. I scrapbook. I'm home by 9 pm every night of the week and really don't miss the bar scene. I appriciate my parents and know they love me more than I understand. I return phone calls the same day so no one worries. Instead of hurrying, I take the long way home so she can finish her nap in the carseat. I slow down at yellow traffic lights. I talk about bodily fluids, their consistency and frequency. I plan dinner menus in advance. We eat at the dinning room table, not in front of the TV. I worry. I'm organized. I could go on and on... I'm a mom. It's the most indescribable feeling! You don't know what you were missing in life until you have a little miracle of your own... then you wonder how you ever lived with out them!