What my childless friends don't know...

I've always wanted to be a mom, I've never had to decide whether motherhood was for me.  I have always found kids to be fascinating, how they think, play and love has always astounded me.  When we made the decision to have children, I knew it wouldn't be easy but as the old Beatles song goes I thought "All you need is love".

All that said motherhood took me by surprise.

I knew I'd be up in the middle of the night, I knew breastfeeding would hurt, and I knew that toddlers were a handful.  But I struggle daily with my children.  My 3 year old tests my patience on a daily basis and my sons sleep habits are less than stellar.  My life is busy, a little bit crazy and very loud.  I'm tired and I don't get much time to myself.

 

My childless friends look at my chaotic life and say, "I am sooo happy I don't have kids, I love my sleep" or
"I don't know how you do it, just watching you makes me tired!"

But they don't know.

 

They don't know what it feels like to be responsible for a small miracle.
They don't know what it's like to hold a screaming baby for an hour, then not want to put  her down when she finally falls asleep.
They don't know that you have literally fall in love with that messy, crying baby.
They don't know what it's like to study every inch of a baby from their tiny toe nails to the wrinkles at the back of their head.
They don't know that hearing the words "I lub you mommy" brings tears to your eyes.
They don't know what its like to see the tiny feet that you created taking their very first steps.
They don't know how it feels to watch your perfect little baby smile in his sleep.
They don't know what it's like to feel those small arms wrap around your leg for a surprise hug.
They don't know just how much you love those tiny humans.
And they don't know that it's worth every second.

 

So because they don't know what they don't know we won't fault them for thinking we're crazy.  But let's keep this a secret so they don't try to steal our precious babies : )