Every so often—let’s be honest, roughly every hour—the demands of motherhood can feel overwhelming, leading us to reminisce about the carefree days of yore when our bodies were firmer and our schedules were open. While it’s not something I’d casually mention at a playdate, I think we can all relate. I adore my children like I adore fresh air, but I can’t help but yearn for the liberty that came with a child-free lifestyle. Sure, life was full of responsibilities, but they didn’t involve planning around little ones, and it was far more delightful than I ever appreciated. Motherhood brings with it the loss of some big comforts, like uninterrupted sleep and a stretch-mark-free belly, but there are also smaller joys I find myself missing. Here are eight things I reminisce about from my pre-baby days:
- Carefree Spending
Ah, those blissful times when I could splurge $150 on random beauty products and not bat an eye. The worst that could happen was a friend covering my drinks on a night out. Unless you’re rolling in dough (in which case, can we hang out?), the arrival of a baby often changes your financial priorities. What once was “fun money” swiftly transforms into “we really need this for all the necessities” money. So, if you love your wardrobe, get comfortable because new clothes might be on hold until your youngest is 25. - Goldfish-Free Living
Remember when your home—and car—wasn’t a minefield of Goldfish crackers? I long for the days when those orange snacks didn’t infiltrate every inch of my space. Now, they’re everywhere: in the diaper bag, under the couch, and even in the high chair, not to mention my late-night snack binge of 4,000 of them. - Late Nights Without Consequences
Staying up late used to be a norm, with the only concern being how tired I’d feel the next day. Now, even weekends come with early wake-up calls. Watching that last episode of a series at midnight might seem feasible, but I regret it when a tiny person jumps on my head at 5 a.m., demanding snacks. - No Poop-Watching Duties
There was a time when I didn’t have to witness the dramatic process of someone else’s bowel movements. Now, I often find myself staring at an open diaper, contemplating my life choices, or coaching my little one through constipation like I’m some kind of poop whisperer. Yep, life was certainly different before kids. - Constant Desire for Intimacy
Once upon a time, intimacy was at the forefront of my mind. Now, exhaustion reigns supreme, and the prospect of sleep feels far more appealing. I never imagined I’d reach a point where ZZZs seemed more thrilling than XXXs, but here we are. Please, no touching—kids will be up any moment. - Camel Toe Concerns
Before motherhood, I could wear any pants without a second thought about overly snug fits. Now, a simple pair of yoga pants feels like they’re trying to ingest my body. When did my body become a clothing vacuum? And where was this discussed in any of the parenting books? - Ignorance of Caillou
What even is Caillou? I’m still pretending I don’t know, just to annoy my child. - The State of My Rear
Oh dear, my once-perky backside is a distant memory. Somehow, it has grown larger and flatter all at once. I hit the gym for squats, yet my rear still resembles it’s smuggling flapjacks from IHOP. Maybe my Venus Fly Trap of a body has claimed my butt too, and it’s just out of sight, enjoying a beer somewhere in my uterus.
This reflective piece was originally published on July 11, 2013. If you’re interested in exploring more about the journey to motherhood, check out this insightful article on home insemination. For those considering their options for starting a family, Make A Mom offers great resources on at-home insemination kits. Additionally, the CDC provides valuable insights regarding infertility and related topics.
In summary, while the joys of motherhood are countless, it’s natural to look back fondly on the freedoms of life before kids. From financial flexibility to the absence of snack crumbs, each aspect carries its own nostalgic weight.