I'm no natural when it comes to kiddos, so I had zero idea what to expect when I had little Charlie. I did a lot of reading and research to try and prepare: I read up on breastfeeding, I read up on sleep scheduling, I read about postpartum depression. But all the reading in the world couldn't have prepared me for some really odd side effects of becoming a Mommy.
5. I suddenly care about other people's kids | Dude, I know how cold and shitty a person this makes me sound. But honestly, I have always been awkward and uncomfortable with other people's kids. And then my little niece was born 6 weeks after Charlie and I just want to snuggle the crap out of her all the time. When people announce their pregnancies or post baby pictures on social media, I actually care. I'm excited for them because I know how wonderful and joy-filled this Mommyhood truly is.
4. I've become super morbid | This is really uncomfortable to confess, but all of a sudden I think about death more. I'm not someone who has ever really been afraid of death. But now that Charlie is here, I think about what would happen if something ever happened to him. Or if something happened to Chuck or myself and we were left without each other. And I hardcore sob. This happens about once a week. I know it's not healthy or rational, but I'm so happy, blessed and in love with this baby boy, that if the worst were to happen, I honestly don't know how I would survive it.
3. I function on no sleep | Don't ask me how. I haven't quite figured it out myself. I've always been someone who needed at least a solid 8-9 hours to not be a raging bitch. Lately, I'm lucky if I get 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep. With a little help from my new best friend, my Keurig, I'm somehow making it work. Praise Jesus!
2. I have mixed feelings about my body | I mean, I am a woman. I care about how I look, so there are days when I feel like complete crap that I now have a permanent pooch that is totally unflattering. And then there are other days, when I am so beyond proud of what my body did to bring a human being into this world that I could burst. Sure, my hips may be wider and none of my bathing suits fit me anymore, but my body is an amazing, wondrous thing.
1. I like having my boobs suckled on | That sound so wrong. Please excuse. But seriously, I love breastfeeding so much! It also helps that I've had a really easy go of it, which I know is not the case for every woman. But I wish I could breastfeed this kid forever!
> > >
What aspects of parenthood surprised you?
This made me laugh! So, so true, though. Five and four hit me HARD!
ReplyDeleteI've already experienced number 4! I never used to worry about my loved ones dying, but lately it's been hard to ignore those thoughts. Great. I hope this doesn't mean it is going to get way worse in a few weeks. :)
ReplyDeletehaha to number 1!! I am more morbid too. My seven year old constantly asks about death so that doesn't help. This is a great post!
ReplyDeleteYes to all of these! It's crazy how everything changes in an instant... and things you never thought about all of a sudden occupy your mind every day!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about suddenly caring about hearing about kids of friends and family!! And I also LOVE breastfeeding. My husband laughs and asks what I'll do when we're done having kids. Not sure yet ;)
ReplyDeleteI am the same way about number four! It's crazy and a little ridiculous, probably, but sometimes I just can't help it. It was especially bad right after E was born, I would worry and pray about it all the time... and I still do. I've just mostly started praying about it more and am trying to give my worry to the Lord, but it's still something that I do think about and worry about. I want us all to live long happy lives and be old and gray! You are not alone, Mama!
ReplyDeleteGlad, I'm not crazy!
ReplyDeleteHaha, you're doomed ;P
ReplyDelete