Every few months, I embark on a cleaning spree, and without fail, I stumble upon my firstborn’s “poop journal.” From March 1, 2015, to July 13, 2015, I meticulously documented every feeding time, the order of breastfeeding (right/left or left/right), and whether my little one’s diaper was wet, dirty, or both. I even recorded our activities, from tummy time to my own walks, and how long he slept. It’s a treasure trove of oddly specific and intimate details that I can hardly believe I kept up with!
Now, after nearly a decade of motherhood, the thought of having that kind of energy to log bodily functions is almost laughable. I mean, I can barely remember to jot down my grocery list these days!
Here are a few more things that I can’t believe I did when I was a new mom:
I can’t believe I committed to night feedings. By the time my second child arrived, I was not very good at them. My husband would find me dozing off, baby in tow, all over the house. Nowadays, I treasure my sleep, averaging a solid 10 PM to 6 AM, and the idea of getting up to care for a tiny human in the middle of the night seems ludicrous!
I can’t believe I used to rise before the sun every single day. Sleep has become a precious commodity in my home. My little ones now savor weekends, where they don’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn for school. It’s hard to fathom that I once thought finger painting at 4:30 AM was a normal part of life!
I can’t believe I made my own baby food. While I think it’s fantastic (and so is store-bought as long as your baby is fed), I honestly don’t know how I managed it. Now, with hockey practice and a busy schedule, a soft pretzel from the rink’s snack bar has become a solid dinner option. Sometimes, the only way to persuade my Kindergartner to exit the car at morning drop-off is to promise him an “all snack” dinner that includes a cupcake! Just last night, my kids might not have even eaten a proper dinner, making it hard to reconcile that I once spent time peeling, steaming, and pureeing organic fruits and veggies to freeze in cute little containers.
And let’s not forget the time I had a portable toilet in my car. Nobody warns you that potty training can feel like an endless saga that stretches from a few days to several years, during which your child will only feel comfortable using the toilet at home or in a foldable potty stashed in the back of your car.
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In summary, motherhood is a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences, some of which are downright unbelievable. From keeping detailed logs of diapers to making baby food and even having a portable toilet in the car, each moment is a reminder of how much we grow and adapt as parents. It’s a journey filled with love, laughter, and a few surprises along the way!