I remember when I was in high school, I used to think, I can't wait until I grow up so that when I am in the middle of an intense book, I don't have to stop reading to take stupid tests and vacuum classrooms after school.
I thought I would have MORE time to read. Ha. How naive I was.
I am now doing what I always wanted to be doing. I am a stay-at-home wife and mother. That was my dream. I had contingency plans and what-not, in case I ended up not getting married or being able to have kids, but if I could, this is what I wanted.
I have to admit, it's not exactly how I thought it would be. You see, while I knew this was what I wanted, I hadn't really thought about the little details, what it would actually be like day in and day out. And there are a lot of things I didn't realize about what being a mother actually means.
Being a mother means an endless number of peek a boo games. Every day. All day long.
It means needing haul a child in and out of a hot car anytime you are brave enough to run more than one errand in the same trip.
As a mother, you not only get to change diapers all day long, but you get to wrestle your child simultaneously, because they want their diaper changed even less than you want to change it.
It means reading the same books and singing the same songs and watching the same shows probably a million times. I don't think that's a hyperbole.
Being a mother means yogurt messes every morning and a bath after every meal.
It means going home early from family parties and social functions because, bed time.
As a mom, you get to reach back while driving and hand your child a new toy every time they throw the one they have. Or better yet, tap their cheek to make sure they don't fall asleep because you're driving home too close to nap time.
Sometimes, being a mom means stress and worry and sleep deprivation. It can mean heartache and loneliness and an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy. And yet, motherhood also means so much more than all the day in and day out drudgery that sometimes seems to overpower everything else.
Being a mother means watching your baby laugh when you play peek a boo with them, EVERY SINGLE time.
It means hearing your baby screech in delight from the back seat every time you drive in the car.
As a mother, you not only get to teach your child everything about their world, but you also get a front seat as they learn and explore and grow.
It means reading magical books and singing silly songs and looking through a child's eyes again.
Being a mother means making messes and splashing in the bath with your baby (who, by the way, is delighted by both the messes and the splashing).
It means going home early from family parties and social functions to spend precious one-on-one time with your little baby who is growing up too fast.
As a mom, you are on the receiving end of hugs and kisses and snuggles all the time. You get to chase and be chased, laugh at all the ridiculously cute things your child does, and be there with them as they grow up. It's hard and wonderful and magical, all at once.
Because most of the time, being a mom means love and prayers and over flowing gratitude that you get to watch over and protect such a sweet, innocent child. And that, that is probably the best thing in the world.
Love,
Mom
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