Thursday Thoughts: Before I was A Mom

Before I was a mom, I never wore yoga pants in public unless I was on my way to or back from the gym. Now that I am a mom, yoga pants are easy and comfortable. Sometimes I need easy and comfortable.

Before I was a mom, I rarely left my house without makeup. Now that I’m a mom, I’m trying to get 5 kids and a husband out of the house on time. Makeup takes time, and sometimes I don’t have time. What is even worse, is sometimes I’m wearing yoga pants and no make-up…I know horrible right.

Before I had kids, I swore my kids would never behave like “those kids”. Now that I am a mom, I know that my kids, like all kids, have their moments and can be “those kids” at any point.

Before I had kids, I said I’d never let my kids go barefoot in public. Now that I am a mom, I have two little that would often prefer to go without shoes and socks.

Before I was a mom, I said I would never buy my kids “things” in stores just to keep them quiet. Now that I am a mom, my first stop at target is always the dollar spot for “peanuts” (nutter butters) for Jackson and Preston to share. Sometimes he branches out and asks for a Icee…sometimes I say yes.

Before I was a mom, I said that I’d never be the mom that makes a different meal for each kid. Now that I am a mom, I have a 17month old that will eat just about everything, a 3 year old that only eats a couple fruits and almost no veggies, an (almost) 8 year old that doesn’t like any veggies or fruits, a 10 year old and an (almost) 18 year old that will try things, but don’t always like them.

Before I was a mom, I was able to eat hot meals. Before I was a mom, I was able to pee or shower without an audience. Before I was a mom, I was able stay up late and sleep in. Before I was a mom, I was able to talk on the phone, without kids interrupting or constantly tugging on my leg.

But before I was a mom, I never knew the feeling of holding (or wearing) a sleepy baby for hours just because I didn’t want to put him down. Before I was a mom, I never knew how great it felt to know that only my kisses can heal boo-boos. Before I was a mom I never knew, that I could feel so loved by someone so small. Before I was a mom, I never knew the bond between mother and baby. Before I was a mom, I never knew the joy, love, heartache, stress or satisfaction of being a mom. It is the greatest and hardest job I will ever have.

Disclaimer: We are all human, and while I think that it it perfectly normal to judge others, I also think that we can all agree that judging before knowing the situation is damaging. So next time you see a mom who just got done yelling in public at her child, remember that just like you she has bad days too. And rather than looking down on her, smile at her or tell her that you’ve been there. That simple act will brighten her day. That simple act will let her know that you aren’t judging, that you know what it’s like. That simple act will let her know that she is not alone. Did you read my post last month on “mommy wars“? We all know how much work it is to be a parent, we need to help build each other up rather than judge and tear each other apart.

What did you do, say or think before you were a mom? If you aren’t a mom, thank you for reading, and remember to give us a break every now and then, and maybe one day someone will return the favor to you if/when you have children.