Things shift dramatically when you step into the role of a mother. It’s not just about the relentless sleep deprivation, the need to bring a small mountain of supplies for a simple grocery run, or the fact that your favorite jeans don’t fit the same anymore. It’s the little things you didn’t even realize you were taking for granted that make the biggest impact.
Memory
Before Motherhood: I could easily walk from one room to another and remember exactly why I was there. My thoughts flowed seamlessly, and my brain was sharp.
After Motherhood: I enter a room with a mission, only to forget it as soon as I arrive. I’ve put the milk in the pantry and the cereal in the fridge. Sometimes, I even hang up my phone while looking for… my phone. My train of thought derails after just a few words. Did I leave my brain cells behind with my old life?
Leaving the House
Before Motherhood: I simply grabbed my purse and walked out the door.
After Motherhood: “Do you have your lunch box, your backpack, the show-and-tell item, your book report, and your math homework? Why are your shoes on the wrong feet? Did you brush your teeth? Your shirt is on backwards. Let’s hope we remember to brush your hair tomorrow. Oh, and there’s peanut butter on your forehead—let’s clean that up!”
Sleeping
Before Motherhood: I decided when, where, and how long I would sleep. End of story.
After Motherhood: I find myself thinking, “Is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on? If I sit up on the couch, could I sneak a 15-minute nap?” I worry about safety—are the cleaning products locked away? Are the crayons out of reach? And can a child really drown in the toilet? Never mind, I’ll just stay awake.
Emotions
Before Motherhood: My emotions were well-managed, sometimes even stoic.
After Motherhood: My emotions are a rollercoaster ride. I can swing from laughter to tears in seconds, often with no clear reason. And heaven forbid I can’t find the remote when that heart-wrenching SPCA commercial with Sarah McLachlan comes on!
Evenings
Before Motherhood: Take-out was the go-to, and I’d fall asleep on the couch watching a movie.
After Motherhood: I find myself asking, “Are all the food groups represented? Time for baths! Just one bedtime story… Okay, two. Yes, I’ll tuck you in again. Of course, you can have another goodnight kiss. Now, go. To. Sleep!”
Body Fluids
Before Motherhood: Gross!
After Motherhood: I’ve been peed on, pooped on, and even vomited on. I’ve sported snot as if it were the latest accessory. Plus, I’ve mastered the art of cleaning all of the above out of my living room rug.
Date Night
Before Motherhood: Let’s just go!
After Motherhood: I have to consult sitter #1, then sitter #2, and beg sitter #3. I leave a detailed list of instructions with 25 line items. I’ll check in every 20 minutes to ensure everything is okay, and we’ll be back by 10 p.m. to make sure the sitter can get home in time. And I’ll end up paying the sitter twice what dinner cost!
Turn-ons
Before Motherhood: Flowers, romantic cards, spontaneous gifts.
After Motherhood: Husband: “I’ll give the kids their baths tonight.” Wife: “You’re the sexiest person alive right now!”
Speaking of Turn-ons…
Before Motherhood: Anywhere, anytime.
After Motherhood: “Are the kids asleep? Is the door locked? Shhhh! Was that a cry? Oh, well, I’m too tired anyway.”
How I Viewed Motherhood
Before Motherhood: I thought, “This seems like something I’d enjoy someday.”
After Motherhood: I had NO IDEA just how much I was missing!
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Summary
Motherhood brings profound changes that affect everything from memory and emotions to how we view our relationships and even our daily routines. The transformation can be surprising and challenging, but it also opens doors to new joys and experiences.