Lessons of Motherhood

I have not been a mother long and cannot claim to have any real wisdom to pass on to those who are expecting or dreaming of motherhood. Still, the past eight months have taught me a thing or two about being a mommy and a wife. While some of these lessons apply to those roles specifically, some can apply to all areas of life. And those are my favorite kinds of things to learn.

Here is some of the wisdom I have gained:

• Expect the unexpected. Babies are completely unpredictable and amazing. I live on the edge of my seat these days, waiting for the next surprise.
  
• Not all surprises are good, but most are pretty entertaining. Surprises like, "how did that get in your mouth?!" are not good and can be scary. Surprises like, "what on earth are you doing taking all of the wipes out of the box?!" can be bad, in theory, but are also very funny. The thing about all surprises, good or bad, is to find the humor in them. Or to brace yourself and keep a clear head. Whichever applies.


• Things happen and, when they do, take the opportunity to learn from the experience. The same applies to approaching an infant who is practicing a new skill. It is okay to fail or fall so long as you learn.


• June Cleaver was a fictional character. I'll never be her, but I'm okay with that. I'm more colorful and a lot more fun. And my daughter likes me the way I am.


• Most interior designers must not have children or, if they do, they are super human. I would love to have a posh space that looks like it jumped from the pages of a magazine, but I am learning that 1. it takes a lot of time and money (things I don't have) and 2. those designs, while awesome, are not necessarily kid friendly. Am I disappointed that most of my walls are bare and that my couch is stained? Sure, it bugs me a little. But it also stands as a reminder that I have more important things to worry about.


• Worrying is overrated. A little worry is healthy. A lot of worry can give you heart problems. I'm learning to let go and realize that, most likely, it will all be okay.
• Patience. It is a good thing to have, but is hard to find. When all else fails, I let out my frustration and then find something to laugh about. Esther and Tim can test my patience like no other and, yet, they are also the biggest clowns. I find it harder to hold onto anger these days because there is so much to smile about!
• My child will love me even if I am a nut case, which I am most of the time. I can be grumpy and I can be over protective. I like to give her kisses and act crazy just to make her laugh (she laughs at me a lot. I'm not sure if she thinks I am funny or if she feels sorry for me). I'm a hormonal, emotional person and always have been. Motherhood has not made that better. I used to worry, but I am learning that kids love their parents no matter how silly they are.
• My husband will think I'm hot no matter how frumpy I dress or how much weight I gain (but that's not an excuse to go completely dark side, either). Do I believe him when he says, "you're not fat"? Not in the least, but I appreciate that he is still attracted to me. It does wonders for my self-esteem!

I could spend all day writing the things I have learned, but I will leave it there for now.

Until next time...