Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Before I was a mom...

Before I was a mom, I could sleep as late as I wanted to. Although, I didn't do that too much. Lesson learned. Now, I wake up whenever my cooing, babbling alarm clock wakes up :)

Before I was a mom, I ate all of my meals with my chair and my body facing the table. Now, I'm sideways, facing a high chair.

Before I was a mom, I went to the bathroom all alone. Now I have to go quickly and try to keep my child from plunging into the bathtub or getting into the trash.

Before I was a mom, I could always tell someone else how to parent or judged so quickly when a mom did something that seemed to wrong. Now, I've never been more graceful to a woman running after a baby and a toddler, letting them chew whatever cardboard box they want with only a light jacket on in the middle of winter because that was the fastest way to get out of the house. The beauty of walking in someones shoes only makes you more kind and understanding, don't you think?

Before I was a mom, cleaning my house seemed to simple. Now, every hole has to be plugged up and every crumb off the floor. If not, a little boy will find it and figure out what to do with it.

Before I was a mom, I cooked dinner all by myself. Now, there is a baby tugging on my leg or crawling around my feet with a wooden spoon.

Before I was a mom, I could load the dishwasher without help. Now, I have to make sure Benjamin doesn't pull the knives out of the basket. The spoons are ok, though.

Before I was a mom, getting ready took just a few minutes. Now, I have mascara in one hand and a baby leg in the other...pulling him away from toilet bowl cleaner.

Before I was a mom, I didn't have to share anything that I ate or drank. Now, I have to consider how badly I want something to consume it in front of my child - knowing full well that I'll have to share.

Before I was a mom, going out to lunch or to run errands was simply just one more thing. Now it's an all-out adventure. "Diaper bag full, check. Food for the baby, check. Snacks for the baby, check. Bib, check. Drink, oops...he can share mine. Toys, check. Ok, what time is it? Oh shoot, we only have 55 minutes until nap time. Can we make it? Should I risk it? Great, a poopy diaper right before we leave. 50 minutes, I can do this. I just want a chicken sandwich!!!"

Before I was a mom, I have no idea how I spent my days! Now, we wake, we play, we eat, he naps, I clean, I read, I hurry, he wakes, we eat, we play, he naps, I clean, I rest, I start dinner, he wakes, we play, we eat, we play, he fusses, he sleeps, I clean, I talk with hubby, I collapse.

Before I was a mom, no one ever cried or fussed when I left the room. Now, I can always count on Benjamin to let me know he likes when I'm around :)

Before I was a mom, I had no idea how one little precious baby boy would turn my world upside down and inside out. Now, I have no idea what I would do without this little man by my side.

No matter the circumstance, no matter the long days or nights, no matter the lack of time alone... I couldn't imagine being anything else right now in my life than Benjamin's momma! What a joy, a priceless blessing - good days and bad - that the Lord chose ME to mother Benjamin. These are days and memories I never want to regret or lose, so I'll choose to enjoy, embrace and embark on the journey with a humbled and happy heart.

What a sweet gift from the Lord, to be a momma.

5 comments:

Jeannie said...

I hear ya, sista mama!!

Anonymous said...

That is all so true...but we just rarely appreciate the awesome gift it is to make the small sacrifices we do! And it reminds us of the awesome sacrifices others have made for us (most importantly Christ!).
Love,
Shannon

mama cindy said...

you are wonderful

Courtney said...

I agree, this all rings so true. Especially the part about evaluating potential snacks. I have been known to sneak into the kitchen for a banana, one bite at a time, so I don't have to share.

Morgan said...

so true...so true! i love being bobby's mama!!